Position: Lead Pastor
Church: 2nd Church Fremont
Location: Fremont, MI
Website: secondcrcfremont.org
ABOUT THE CHURCH
Second Christian Reformed Church of Fremont is a multi-generational congregation dedicated to living out its mission of “Knowing Christ and Making Christ Known.” The congregation has been advancing the Kingdom of God since 1914. Most recently, the church has emerged from difficult seasons that included the sudden passing of a beloved pastor. Today, with the help of an Interim pastor, they look forward with hope to a new season characterized by vibrant ministries and increased outreach efforts.
2nd Church is founded upon the authority of scripture and supported by the persistent prayers of a generous congregation. The ministry leaders and volunteers of the church seek to be led by the Spirit and have been graced by a teachable and welcoming spirit. The ministry is supported by an attractive, functional, and well-maintained facility constructed in 1974 and renovated in 2019.
2nd Church includes a devoted group of older members, a significant group of younger families with children, and a dedicated group of volunteers. The church hosts several community events for children and teens. The church is affiliated with and values its relationship with the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA).
ABOUT THE ROLE
2nd Church, a multi-generational congregation affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), looks forward to the arrival of its next Lead Pastor to guide it into a season of ministry characterized by love for God, love for each other, and love for the community.
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The Lead Pastor will:
- Demonstrate love for both God and people.
- Be a maturing follower of Jesus Christ.
- Demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in all his or her relationships.
- Be committed to Reformed theology.
- Be a prayer warrior for the ministry, mission, and people of 2nd Church.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
The Pastor will be:
- Communicator, able to craft and deliver biblical and relevant sermons that effectively speak to both new and maturing Christians.
- Liturgist or worship planner, able to design and lead worship services for a multigenerational congregation that includes people at different levels of spiritual maturity.
- Humble organizational leader and manager gifted with wisdom and discernment.
- Loving shepherd who cares for the spiritual well-being of the congregation and those who don’t yet know Christ.
- Bridge-builder able to create and sustain relationships between the church and the community.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- The Lead Pastor is responsible for the planning and delivery of the congregation’s worship services. He or she will cover 75% of the preaching and proactively join with the Worship Committee and Worship Director to help create engaging worship services that help both members and guests encounter the grace and truth of God’s Word.
- The Lead Pastor, with the Council, will provide organizational leadership in such a way that the congregation better lives into its mission to know Christ and make Christ known. The Lead Pastor will also manage the staff in a way that will not only empower them but also bring a spirit of unity and collaboration so that the ministry and mission of the church thrive with the help of the Holy Spirit.
- The Lead Pastor will provide timely pastoral care for those seeking baptism, marriage, healing, encouragement, and spiritual direction. He or she will be assisted by caregiver couples.
The Senior will be an ambassador of the 2nd Church in the community by building relationships with neighboring churches, schools, and organizations. Within the church, the Lead Pastor will encourage and participate in outreach initiatives to make Christ known in the community.
EXPECTATIONS
The Pastor will:
- Be ordained (or qualified and willing to be ordained) in the CRCNA.
- Have earned a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary.
- Have pastoral or life experience that has prepared him or her to be the next Lead Pastor of 2nd Church.
- Demonstrate an egalitarian approach to both men and women serving as office bearers in the church.
- Be accountable to the Council of the 2nd Church.
To apply, please fill out the fields on the next page and attach your resume. Your completed application will be reviewed in a timely manner.
Skills Required
- Ordained or qualified and willing to be ordained in the CRCNA
- Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary
- Pastoral or life experience preparing candidate to serve as Lead Pastor
- Commitment to Reformed theology
- Ability to craft and deliver biblical, relevant sermons
- Experience planning and leading worship for a multigenerational congregation
- Organizational leadership and staff management skills
- Pastoral care skills for baptism, marriage, healing, encouragement, spiritual direction
- Ability to build relationships with community organizations and other churches
- Egalitarian approach to men and women serving as office bearers
- A strong prayer life and demonstration of spiritual maturity
What We Do
Rukes Group is a ministry-focused staffing and consulting firm that helps churches and nonprofits find leaders aligned with their mission, team, and organizational culture. Its Precise Assessment Process customizes searches, evaluates candidates, and identifies “Culture Carriers” for ministry roles. The company also provides specialized consulting in structure, strategy, and mission, while supporting candidates in pursuing their next ministry opportunity with confidence.
