Lead Pastor

U.S. Church Ministries • Appleton, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Refuge Church in Appleton, Wisconsin, is seeking a Lead Pastor to shepherd, disciple, and lead its growing, intentionally multi-ethnic congregation. The church is committed to keeping the gospel central and seeks a pastor who prioritizes relational ministry, discipleship, prayer, and spiritual care. The pastor will know congregants personally, invest in relationships, and help cultivate discipleship, unity, and spiritual growth.

Refuge Church exists to ignite a movement of multi-ethnic Christ-followers to Reach, Develop, and Send the next generations. Its ministries include Sunday worship gatherings, children’s and youth ministries, men’s and women’s ministries, life groups, church planting and Greenhouse Environment, and residencies. The church has also helped develop and send licensed workers to plant churches and international workers with the C&MA. It recently completed a renovation that doubled its ministry space.

The Lead Pastor will preach and teach Scripture, provide pastoral care, develop leaders, model prayerful spiritual leadership, and help guide the church toward healthy growth and mission. The role serves on the elder team and as chairman of the Governing Board, and supports Refuge’s multi-ethnic mission and identity.

Candidates must have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, align with the theology and mission of The Alliance (C&MA), and be fully licensed or ordained as an official worker of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Candidates not already licensed with the C&MA must be willing to obtain a license through the Western Great Lakes District before hiring and then pursue ordination. Formal ministry training and pastoral experience are required. A bachelor’s degree and five or more years of experience are preferred.

Requirements

• A growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Alignment with the theology and mission of The Alliance (C&MA).
• Full licensing or ordination as an official worker of the Christian and Missionary Alliance; candidates not already licensed must be willing to obtain a license with the Western Great Lakes District before hiring and then pursue ordination.
• Demonstrated pastoral, shepherding, and discipleship gifting.
• Experience preaching and teaching Scripture.
• Ability to build relationships across cultures and backgrounds.
• Humility, emotional maturity, and relational wisdom.
• A heart for unity, care, and spiritual formation.
• Formal ministry training and pastoral experience.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Five or more years of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual care and shepherding for the church body.
• Develop a culture of discipleship and spiritual growth.
• Personally mentor and develop leaders.
• Cultivate authentic biblical community.
• Faithfully preach and teach the Word of God.
• Prepare gospel-centered sermons with practical application.
• Lead the church in biblical truth and spiritual maturity.
• Model a life of prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
• Lead the church spiritually with humility and wisdom.
• Provide pastoral care.
• Serve as a member of the elder team and chairman of the Governing Board.
• Help guide the church toward healthy growth and mission.
• Support and strengthen Refuge’s multi-ethnic mission and identity.
• Equip the congregation to engage the community and make disciples.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior