Lead Pastor

South Shores Christian Church in Decatur, Illinois, is seeking a full-time Lead Pastor to partner with the Elders, ministry staff, and congregation in carrying out the church’s mission of helping people find and follow Jesus. The Lead Pastor will provide Christ-centered preaching, pastoral shepherding, strategic leadership, discipleship, and community engagement within an independent Christian Church rooted in the Restoration Movement.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Preparing and delivering biblically grounded, Christ-centered sermons for weekly corporate worship.
• Teaching and upholding sound biblical doctrine consistent with Restoration Movement principles.
• Leading adult discipleship initiatives, Bible studies, and relational group environments.
• Providing pastoral care, prayer, visitation, spiritual guidance, crisis support, and biblical counseling.
• Officiating weddings, funerals, and other significant spiritual milestones.
• Partnering with the Elder Board to discern, communicate, and implement strategic ministry vision.
• Supervising, encouraging, and mentoring staff members and volunteer ministry leaders.
• Supporting administrative priorities, ministry operations, and responsible budget stewardship.
• Championing evangelism, local outreach, and relationships with community organizations throughout Decatur and Macon County.

Expectations and qualifications include:

• A firm commitment to the authority of Scripture and theological alignment with the Restoration Movement, including believer’s baptism by immersion, weekly communion, and local elder-led governance.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Biblical Studies, Christian Ministry, Theology, or a related field from an accredited Restoration Movement or aligned institution.
• Proven experience in pastoral leadership or preaching ministry.
• An approachable, collaborative, and team-oriented leadership style with a commitment to relational ministry and community connection.
• Personal character consistent with the biblical qualifications for an elder described in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.

Applicants should submit an updated resume or CV, a cover letter describing their faith journey and ministry calling, and links to two or three online audio or video sermon samples. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be submitted to pa**********@*********es.net.