Shepherd Staff is honored to be working with St. John’s Christian Church in Archbold, Ohio, as they search for their next Senior Pastor. St. John’s is a Bible-anchored, mission-driven, multi-generational congregation known for its rich history, strong fellowship, meaningful worship, and deep commitment to serving both locally and globally.
St. John’s is “the church on the corner whose Cornerstone is Christ,” marked by warm relationships, enduring tradition, and a vibrant spirit of generosity. With a newly completed major renovation, no church debt, and a highly engaged congregation, this is a healthy and hopeful church stepping into a new season of ministry.
Position Description
The Senior Pastor of St. John’s Christian Church provides spiritual, pastoral, and organizational leadership to the congregation. This role centers on faithfully preaching the Word of God, shepherding the people with compassion, equipping leaders, supporting a strong missions culture, and guiding the church forward through a season of transition after a long-tenured pastorate.
The ideal candidate will be:
- A Bible-centered preacher who teaches the whole of Scripture with clarity and relevance.
- A compassionate shepherd, deeply present with people in moments of need.
- Mission-minded, supportive of both local and global outreach efforts.
- A collaborative, empowering leader who equips staff and volunteers rather than micromanaging.
- Approachable, relational, and community-engaged, comfortable in a small-town, multi-generational setting.
- Respectful of tradition while also able to introduce thoughtful, well-paced change.
- Humble, steady, and wise, able to lead through transition with confidence and grace.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Senior Pastor serves as the primary preacher and spiritual leader of St. John’s Christian Church, helping the congregation deepen its faith, strengthen its ministries, and continue its long-standing commitments to missions, worship, and community impact. The Pastor provides vision and leadership while working collaboratively with the Consistory, staff, and ministry teams.
This role encompasses preaching, pastoral care, leadership development, staff oversight, and stewardship of the church’s mission and values. The next pastor will guide St. John’s through a season of transition after a long and faithful pastorate, helping the congregation remain rooted in biblical truth while also engaging younger families and future generations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan and lead weekly worship services, preaching the Gospel with clarity and conviction.
- Provide ongoing pastoral care, including visitation, counseling, prayer, and support for individuals and families.
- Lead and administer the sacraments, special services, funerals, weddings, and new-member processes.
- Oversee and support staff, fostering teamwork and shared leadership across ministries.
- Serve as a key leader within the Consistory and as Chair of the Spiritual Council.
- Oversee confirmation, discipleship, Bible studies, and educational ministries.
- Equip and empower lay leaders, volunteers, and ministry teams.
- Participate in local ministerial partnerships and represent the church within the community.
- Provide administrative leadership, ensuring effective communication, planning, and ministry execution.
More detailed information about this opportunity will be made available to you once you click the “Apply For This Job” button. That step allows you to confidentially express your interest and gain access to additional insights about the role and church. By “confidential,” we mean your information will not be shared with this or any other church without your knowledge and permission, following a full conversation with one of our consultants.
If you have any technical difficulties with the inquiry process, please contact Gail@Shepherd.Group.