Position: Part Time Pastor

• Address: nd St., Russell, Kansas 67665
• Address: nd St., Russell, Kansas 67665

We are seeking an outgoing and motivating pastor to lead our traditional Lutheran congregation. The ideal candidate will grow our church, engage our youth, and maintain a Bible-based focus that continues to educate our congregation and positively influences our children amidst our changing society. Having left the ELCA, we expect the Pastor to provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care to the congregation following this transition to LCMC.

We are seeking a pastor who is experienced with the Lutheran liturgy and certified with LCMC. Apart time paster would be required to provide pastoral leadership approximately 3 days per week, and perform all special services such as weddings, funerals and baptisms.

Additionally, the Council would require the pastor to reside in the parish as part of their benefit package.

The Council would also consider a contract call arrangement with a person willing to subscribe to LCMC’s Statement of Faith and Pastoral Admonition, including the sacraments of the Lutheran tradition.

The United Emmanuel Lutheran Church is a rural community church of faith, committed to serving God and loving our neighbors. The founding of the church dates back to 1885. The Church is well maintained with a furnished parsonage next to the church. The parsonage is a quaint 3-bedroom home with a nice, finished basement. The church is located near the small town of Milberger, a very quiet area.

Photos of the church and parsonage are available on request. The Church is located approximately 11 miles from Russell, Kansas.

Our rural and small-town congregation dates back generations. The original settlers of this were of German ancestry who plowed the prairie to farm. A pastor with rural experience or the willingness to understand the farm and ranching community would be a plus. The population of Russell is currently approximately 4404 and was incorporated in 1872. Oil was discovered in 1923 -- oil and agriculture make up the majority of economic income of the area.

Russell and area residents receive excellent medical care from the Russell Regional Hospital and Physicians Clinic. The church is also located near Hoisington, population 2700, and they have Clara Barton Hospital and Clinic with excellent health care. There is a major medical facility located in Hays, Kansas approximately 27 miles away that supports most of western Kansas. Russell has several fine assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

The congregational demographics reflect a trend seen across the country, with a large percentage of aging members. We host a children’s Sunday school prior to services and have an adult bible study concurrent to the children’s Sunday school.

We are praying for a pastor to teach the Word of God as revealed in the Old Testament and the New Testament. The pastor must have strong leadership and communication skills. We seek one that would engage and inspire youth and adults with a strong commitment to the LCMC Statement of Faith. We look for experience and leadership in organizing and leading various church activities and events such as:

• Preach and teach the Word of God in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions.
• Perform all duties of the UELC constitution.
• Facilitating an Adult Bible School program prior to service.
• Administering Holy Baptism and Holy Communion
• Officiating at special services such as weddings, funerals, Baptisms, etc.
• Helping to organize special events.
• Engaging in shut-in visits, homebound visits, hospital visits.
• Visit existing members who are not currently attending church.
• Collaborating with existing staff including the organist, church council, worship committee, Sunday school director, and church secretary.
• Encouraging the congregation to get more engaged and give of their time, talents, and resources.
• Serve as a representative of the church in civic matters.
• Any other duties that are important to our members and communities.

If you are passionate about leading a traditional Lutheran congregation and have the skills to engage and inspire our members, we encourage you to apply for this position. We look forward to hearing from prospective candidates.