Lead Pastor

Hope Church of Albert Lea, Minnesota, is seeking a Lead Pastor to serve as the primary spiritual and organizational leader of our vibrant, mission-focused congregation. About Hope Church: Hope Church is an 11-year-old non-denominational church in the heart of downtown Albert Lea, Minnesota - a lakeside community of 18,000 just 75 minutes south of Minneapolis. We launched in 2014 with a core team of 44 people and a "one more" vision: to see one more heart changed and one more life redeemed by the power of Jesus Christ. In 2023, we opened a beautifully renovated, debt-free 15,000-square-foot facility after eight years of setting up and tearing down church every week. We gather 170 people every Sunday morning in a Spirit-led worship environment that emphasizes dynamic preaching, authentic community, and missional outreach. Our mission is to reach the lost, care for the broken, and develop fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. The Role: The Lead Pastor will provide visionary leadership through biblical preaching (approximately 40+ messages per year), shepherding, leadership development, and strategic oversight of ministries. Reporting to the Elder Board, you’ll champion our vision, foster unity, shepherd the congregation, and equip leaders to carry out the mission of the church. Primary Responsibilities: Provide overall leadership for the church, representing Hope in the community and with ministry partners Shepherd the congregation through prayer, encouragement, and spiritual care (including hospital visits, weddings, funerals, and crisis care) Faithfully preach and teach God’s Word, regularly calling people to salvation and sanctification Develop the annual preaching plan and collaborate with Worship Ministries to create unified services Lead the development of a compelling, biblically grounded vision that promotes spiritual maturity and healthy church growth Build systems and teams for outreach, evangelism, guest assimilation, and discipleship Develop a healthy leadership culture marked by trust, humility, collaboration, and accountability Identify, mentor, and develop future ministry leaders in partnership with the Elder Board Success Factors: A strong work ethic balanced by healthy rhythms of Sabbath, rest, and personal renewal Humility, accountability, transparency, and a willingness to delegate appropriately The ability to cultivate healthy relationships with staff, elders, volunteers, and the congregation through a servant-hearted, teachable spirit A commitment to ongoing spiritual, personal, and professional growth A marriage and/or family committed to church engagement, joyful service, and faithful stewardship Compensation & Benefits: Annual Salary: $70,000-$75,000 plus benefits #J-18808-Ljbffr Bethelowatonna