Lead Pastor - Living Hope Church (Springfield, MO)

Living Hope Church (Springfield, MO) – Lead Pastor

The Big Picture

Living Hope Church is seeking a Lead Pastor who will serve as both a shepherd and a church planter – leading a relaunch of Living Hope Church into a vibrant, multiplying, Spirit-led community of people transformed by the Gospel. This role is for a pastor who loves people deeply, preaches the Word faithfully, leads with humility, and carries a passion to see lives changed by Jesus in the everyday stuff of life. The position is part-time to start, with potential for growth as the church grows.

Mission: to put on display the living hope of Jesus in the everyday stuff of life. Vision: to be a multiplying community of people transformed by the Gospel, devoted to God’s Word, committed in community, and relentless in prayer. Living Hope exists to love the hurting, the lonely, the divorced, and families who long for connection – people who often feel left out of larger churches – seeking to be a simple, caring, forward-thinking community of hope in Springfield.

Job Profile

Part time to start (approx. 20–25 hours/week), with required Sundays and a flexible weekday schedule – hours may increase as the church grows

Preach biblically faithful, Gospel-centered sermons and lead worship gatherings with volunteers and the Holy Spirit’s direction

Administer the ordinances (baptism, communion) and perform weddings and funerals

Rebuild and relaunch the church by re-engaging current members, reaching new families, and fostering a renewed sense of mission

Provide pastoral care through visiting, counseling, and encouragement; lead discipleship through small groups, mentoring, and teaching

Cultivate a culture of prayer, worship, and Scripture-rooted discipleship, fostering unity and relational connection in the church body

Partner with the Local Core Team and True Hope Collister to set direction and goals, ensuring alignment with mission, vision, and values

Oversee operations (finances, facilities, communications) with integrity, and manage administrative responsibilities such as scheduling, bank accounts, and insurance

Develop and empower volunteer leaders – forming disciples who make disciples

Lead the church to live missionally in Springfield – serving the community, building bridges with local churches, ministries, and civic organizations, and encouraging the church to live out B.L.E.S.S. rhythms (Begin with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, Share)

Reports to the Local Core Team of Living Hope Church

Qualifications

A clear sense of calling to pastoral and missional ministry, with a mature and growing faith in Jesus Christ

Meets the biblical qualifications for pastoral leadership (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1)

Committed to prayer, Scripture, and the spiritual well-being of others – Jesus-focused, Spirit-led, and devoted to Gospel transformation

Proven experience in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, with the ability to lead small congregations or church plants

Familiarity with church operations and volunteer development; experience engaging people outside the church

A humble, servant-hearted leader – emotionally and relationally mature, flexible and innovative in a church-planting environment

Financially stable, viewing the role as a calling rather than a career

Bachelor’s degree in ministry, theology, or a related field preferred (M.Div. preferred but not required); competency with basic administrative tools (QuickBooks, planning tools, etc.)

Compensation & Benefits

Part-time salary (supplemental), commensurate with experience

Ministry expense budget and mileage reimbursement as available

The Process

Please look over this job description. Along with your resume please answer these questions:

Why do you believe that you might be a good fit as the Lead Pastor at Living Hope Church?

Describe your experiences in ministry and how you may be qualified to serve as the Lead Pastor of Living Hope Church?

In just a few sentences please give a summary of your theology and how that is in line with the doctrine of Living Hope Church?

Please send your resume, the answers to these questions and a link to at least one online sermon to [email protected]