Senior Pastor – St. Mark Lutheran Church

Meet St. Mark Lutheran Church

St. Mark Lutheran Churchis a warm, Christ-centered congregation located in Lindenhurst, Illinois. Grounded in the Lutheran tradition, we believe in salvation by God’s grace through faith, not by our own efforts, and we seek to share that message through worship, service, and fellowship. We offer both traditional and contemporary worship services to meet people where they are in life, and we livestream worship to reach those beyond our walls.

Our ministries span all ages — from children’s programs, youth and adult discipleship, to care ministries like Stephen Ministry, outreach, and service partnerships — providing many avenues for people to grow in faith and belong in community. We aspire to be a place where “you’ll find a place for you” — inviting, relevant, faith-nurturing, and full of grace.

St. Mark Lutheran Church is looking for a Senior Pastor who will further our mission, which is loving God and all people. One who will work as a team member, by helping people to become baptized believers, assisting, and equipping them to be committed disciples of Christ, and inspires them to become Christian servants and leaders in God’s church and our world.

The Senior Pastor’s responsibilities include:

• Deliver motivating, vibrant, engaging Bible-based sermons.
• Creative story telling style delivery, interjecting humor, life experience, and relatable experiences.
• Lead traditional, contemporary, and seasonal Advent/Lent services, attend special community events.

• Develop and strengthen youth’s spiritual growth and deepen their faith
• Lead confirmation classes
• Encourage participation within ministries, mission trips, Sunday school, youth group, and VBS
• Increase youth opportunities within services and participation in various ministries

• Listen and provide guidance in spiritual and relationship guidance, and insights for difficult decisions. Follow-up with those who have sought guidance.
• Reach out to home bound or in hospital for support.
• Leverage Stephen Ministry to expand capacity for outreach.

• Possess a strong relationship with our Triune God.
• Perform marriages, baptisms, funerals.
• Maintain alignment between staff, council, ministry teams, Sunday school staff, youth leaders, and Bible study leaders.
• Be comfortable incorporating technology and media formats via IT Team.

• Possess a vision to maintain and expand St Mark’s outreach to Lindenhurst community.
• Maintain a positive public presence.
• Challenge St Mark to discover new ways to connect with and assist the community.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor:

• Possess a Master’s of Divinity or Theology preferred
• Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) certified, or willing to become certified within six months.

• Proficient in Lutheran Theology and practices.
• Adhere to LCMC Statement of Faith
• Have a Strong relationship with God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit.
• Vibrant, lively, energetic, and motivated personality.
• Have strong communication skills.
• Pursue continuing education. Learn by seeking out and applying new ideas from reading, studying and other trusted Pastors and or seminars.

What it’s like to live in Lindenhurst, IL

Lindenhurst offers a rare blend of peaceful, small-town charm and modern convenience. It’s a family-friendly village of roughly 14,000 people, set amid lakes, forest preserves, and walking and bike trails, so outdoor lovers will really feel ools are strong, and there’s a strong sense of community — local festivals, farmers markets, and neighborhood events are regular parts of life. While it’s tranquil, it’s not isolated: you’re still within driving distance of larger suburban shopping and dining, and reasonable drives to bigger cities if you need them.

If you want a place that feels safe, welcoming, and rooted in nature, but still well connected, Lindenhurst is a great option.