Associate Pastor

Associate Pastor Opportunity Shepherd Staff is honored to be working with Morton Methodist Church in Morton, Illinois as they search for an Associate Pastor. Morton Methodist Church is an independent, growing Methodist congregation seeking a revival of true Methodism through Wesleyan practices—especially rule-of-life discipleship in small "Method Groups"—in order to encounter the Living God through worship, discipleship, and missions. The Associate Pastor will help fulfill this mission by overseeing and coordinating discipleship and mission opportunities for children, youth, and their parents so that the next generation is deeply rooted in Jesus Christ and actively engaged in the life of the church and community. The ideal candidate will be: Warm, approachable, and "there you are" oriented —someone who naturally initiates with kids, students, and parents and is comfortable engaging ages 0–18. Deeply Wesleyan in theology and practice , aligned with Morton Methodist's grace-centered, Methodist identity and culture, and able to avoid divisive theological or culture-war postures. Organized and collaborative , able to recruit, equip, and coordinate a strong volunteer team and unify children's, youth, and family ministries around a shared discipleship path. POSITION OVERVIEW The Associate Pastor will help to fulfill the mission of MMC by overseeing and coordinating discipleship and mission opportunities for children, youth, and their parents that foster a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and commitment to the church and community. The Associate Pastor will recruit, equip, and guide a ministry team of volunteers in providing high-quality ministries for the children and youth of the church, along with providing resources to support parents in raising their children in the faith. In addition, they will work with the Directing and Associate Pastors to develop outreach and mission opportunities that engage the church and community. RESPONSIBILITIES Lead and develop volunteers to carry out discipleship and mission ministries for ages 3–18, and coordinate nursery staff and volunteers for ages 0–2. Design and oversee a comprehensive discipleship strategy for children and youth (birth–12th grade), in partnership with the Directing and Associate Pastors. Plan and manage key programs such as Wednesday night children's and youth ministries, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Mission Camp, including school-year and summer rhythms. Lead Jr./Sr. High Youth Group during the school year and coordinate additional events, retreats, and experiences that foster spiritual growth and community. If you have any technical difficulties with the inquiry process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.