Lead Pastor – Stigler First Methodist Church

Meet Stigler First Methodist Church

Stigler First Methodist Churchis a welcoming and service-minded church family in the heart of southeastern Oklahoma, where faith, fellowship, and community come together. With a mission to Love God, Love People, Live With Purpose, and Lead Others to Jesus Christ, the church is passionate about helping people grow spiritually while making a meaningful impact both locally and beyond. Known for its warm atmosphere and close-knit congregation, Stigler First Methodist offers opportunities for worship, discipleship, children and youth ministry, music, and outreach for all ages.

Rooted in a rich history dating back to 1895, the church continues to be a place where tradition and purpose meet, inviting people to belong, serve, and experience God’s love in everyday life.

The Lead Pastor of Stigler First Methodist Church serves as the spiritual leader and chief administrator of the congregation, providing biblically grounded preaching, teaching, worship leadership, and administration of the sacraments in accordance with Methodist tradition. This individual offers pastoral care to members and the community, officiates weddings and funerals, and supports discipleship through opportunities such as Confirmation, membership classes, and involvement in children’s and youth ministries.

The Pastor also oversees staff, works collaboratively with church officers and committees, helps develop and communicate the church’s vision, and encourages active member engagement. As a visible representative of the church, the Pastor participates in community and civic events, local ministerial partnerships, and helps lead the church in fulfilling its mission both locally and beyond.

• Proclaim the gospel through preaching, teaching, and worship leadership.
• Administer the sacraments in accordance with Methodist tradition.
• Provide pastoral care to individuals and families within the church and community.
• Serve as chief administrator of ministerial and vocational staff.
• Participate actively in the local Ministerial Alliance.
• Represent the church in civic matters and community events, especially those involving youth.
• Work with families to plan and conduct weddings and funerals.
• Lead or arrange Children’s Moments during worship as needed.
• Lead Confirmation classes when youth numbers allow; offer adult membership classes as appropriate.
• Maintain a presence at Wednesday evening children’s and youth gatherings.
• Encourage youth participation in mission opportunities.
• Help develop and communicate a short-term and long-term vision for the church.
• Motivate and encourage members toward active involvement in church life.
• Support laity-led initiatives and ideas.
• Promote strategic planning, including an annual calendar setting each January.

• Provide administrative leadership for the full church program.
• Work collaboratively with church officers and committees; lead or assist in training as needed.
• Chair the Nominating Committee, ensuring nominees are contacted prior to listing.
• Ensure newly elected officers receive appropriate training.
• Advise and encourage committees to meet regularly in accordance with our bylaws.
• Supervise church staff and hold them accountable to their job descriptions.
• Lead the church in cooperating with associational, state, and denominational/connectional leaders; keep the congregation informed of developments.
• Maintain and post regular office hours.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree required; preference for candidates pursuing or holding a Master of Divinity.
• Ordination preferred; candidates must be eligible for ordination and demonstrate a clear call to ordained ministry.
• Commitment to Wesleyan theology and Methodist tradition.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Rolls up sleeves and works alongside the congregation
• Develops and cultivates a younger congregation
• Good at change management
• Gets to know folks in church well
• Engaged…