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Lead Pastor

First Christian Church

About the Organization

Organization Description

FCC Lawrence is an independent, evangelical, congregational church with historical roots in the Stone-Campbell restorationist movement. We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, we emphasize following Jesus Christ rather than causes, and we look for ways we can reach and serve our community and the world with the gospel of Christ and the love of God. Our worship blends traditional Protestant hymns and contemporary Christian music of varied musical styles in a simple, flexible liturgy, including weekly communion. We favor a theological stance that is committed to the full authority of the Scriptures, and may be described as Wesleyan-Arminian, non-cessationist, and egalitarian. Within the context of sexuality, we strongly believe in a ā€œgrace and truthā€ approach that accurately teaches a biblical stance while treating others with differing viewpoints with grace and acceptance. While we understand the importance of creation and eschatology, we do not hold to a strict viewpoint on either of these topics. As a congregation that values humility and an awareness of the fact that we may not all agree on the details, we respect each other as brothers and sisters in Christ and strive to ask questions and seek growth in those areas where we may disagree. We are located in downtown Lawrence, Kansas, within a few blocks of the University of Kansas.
  • Organization Name
    First Christian Church
  • Organization Location
    Lawrence, KS, United States of America
  • Number of Employees
    3
  • Average Weekly Church Attendance
    50

About the Position

Position Description

First Christian Church of Lawrence is seeking a dedicated, passionate, and experienced Lead Pastor to join our team and lead our congregation in spiritual growth and service. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, a deep commitment to the ministry, and proven experience in church growth. The lead pastor role is a full-time position that requires flexibility in availability for work, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities:

  1. Biblical Preaching and Teaching: prepare and deliver biblically sound, Christ-centered, and relevant sermons for weekly worship services; lead various other teaching opportunities (e.g., Bible studies and classes) to foster spiritual growth.
  2. Promoting Evangelism and Outreach: facilitate FCC's work with community leaders to identify needs and establish partnerships for ministry and works of service; assist in equipping and training the congregation for evangelism in their daily lives.
  3. Ministry Oversight and Development: in collaboration with existing church leadership (Elders, Trustees, Worship and other ministry team leaders), nurture and guide the church's ministries, ensuring they bring people into and deepen their relationship with Christ.
  4. Mentoring, supervising, and supporting church staff and volunteers: foster a positive, collaborative work environment.
  5. Performing other pastoral duties as required: includes weddings, funerals, baptisms, dedications, hospital and home visits, etc.
  6. Providing support for the Giving Tree Preschool staff and teachers: build relationships with teachers and partner with director as needed to maintain a positive, healthy relationship between the church and the preschool.

Qualifications: Required -

  1. Evidence of a mature and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
  2. Have a deep commitment to the promotion of the Gospel.
  3. Demonstrate strong moral character and spiritual maturity.
  4. Have a deep understanding of and commitment to the Bible.
  5. Strategic thinking skills and a visionary mindset to lead the church into new dimensions of impact and growth.
  6. At least two years of formal theological education from an accredited college, university or seminary.
  7. Significant experience (minimum of three years) in pastoral ministry.
  8. Potential and desire to remain in ministry long-term (five years or more) at FCC.
  9. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, organize events, and work effectively under pressure.

Preferred -

  1. Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in Christian ministry or related field from an accredited college, university, or seminary; or, willingness to complete such a program while employed.
  2. Significant experience as a lead pastor.
  3. Significant experience in church planting, church revitalization, or ministry to young adults/young families.
  • Position Name
    Lead Pastor
  • Position Location
    Lawrence, KS, United States of America
  • Position Start Date
    2025-09-08 00:00:00

Position Ministry Type

  • Preaching/Senior

Position Employment Type

  • Full-time

Applicant Next Steps

Please send resume, cover letter, three personal and three professional references, and any links of recent sermons to: Email: [email protected] -or- Mail: First Christian Church, 1000 Kentucky Street, Lawrence, KS 66044, Attn: Search Committee

Lead Pastor

James Saunders Search Committee
(785) 843-0679 [email protected] Attn: Search Committee 1000 Kentucky St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Lawrence, KS, United States of America