Lead Pastor - Living Hope Church (Springfield, MO)

LancasterSearch•Springfield, MO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Living Hope Church is seeking a Lead Pastor who will serve as both a shepherd and a church planter, leading a relaunch of the 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. The mission is to put on display the living hope of Jesus in the everyday stuff of life. The vision is 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in ministry, theology, or a related field preferred (M.Div. preferred but not required)

Responsibilities

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)