Pastor Straits Evangelical Church

Straits Evangelical Free Church (Saint Ignace, MI):
Pastor The Church

The church was established in 1981 by congregants who had been meeting for Bible study evolving into a body of believers whose unique religious concerns were not addressed by existing local churches. Some of the unique concerns were legalism, lack of full acceptance of the Word of God as found in the Holy Bible, and man made theology. Thus a pastor was called and the Straits Evangelical Free Church came to be, an affiliate with the Evangelical Free Church of America.

We average attendance of 75, growing in the summer and shrinking in the winter months. We see new people who are interested attending while some of our aging population is no longer able to attend in person.

Saint Ignace, Michigan, is a small city located on the North Shore of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, divided by the Mighty Mackinac Bridge which crosses the Straits of Mackinac between the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. What originated as a trade route for Indians evolved into an important intersection of land and water routes, supporting the fur trade followed by other commerce resulting in battles for control between the Indians, the French and English.

This incredible history, the beauty of the lakes and landscape, and the famous Mackinac Island draw about one million visitors to the area each year, mostly in the summer months. The vast public lands and waters provide opportunities for sportsmen and recreation year-round. Recent census numbers:
City of Saint Ignace: 2331 County of Mackinac: 10,814

Must be male, prefer married, never divorced and we would welcome a young family. The senior pastoral candidate shall have a clear calling of God, know Christ as his personal savior and be living an exemplary life in accordance with scriptural guideline for church leaders. He will be sound in faith and doctrine and qualified to preach and teach the Word of God as lead by the Holy Spirit.

We prefer a younger candidate with a bible degree, as found in TEDS, with a minimum bachelors degree and preferring a language study of Greek. Must read and be in agreement with the SEFC Statement of Faith adopted from EFCA model on 10-23-2024. (anti woke movement) Ordained or licensed by the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) is preferred but will consider candidates credentialed by another institution when hired but will require he be credentialed by the EFCA within 18 months.

Some of the duties of the senior pastor will include:

• Serve as the primary spiritual leader of the congregation.
• Preach the Word of God and administer the ordinances of the church.
• Provide spiritual oversight as Pastor, working with the Elder Board to shepherd the congregation.
• Attending monthly Elder board meetings, and quarterly and annual Congregational business meetings.
• Pastor prepares and leads worship services including Sunday Worship, post Sunday Worship service Sunday School, Wednesday Prayer meetings, weddings, baptisms dedications and funerals.
• Pastor will meet with congregation members on request, counseling as able.

Total Package: $75,000 plus a retirement benefit. The pastor is responsible for his housing, medical and retirement. This is a full-time position. Consideration will be given based on a new pastors experience, family, and other timely considerations, such as the local housing market and may be negotiable based on the individual. We are offering 3 weeks paid vacation per year for the first 3 years.

The entire budget for fiscal year 2025 was $175,000.