Job Overview

The Big Idea

Congregational growth is a gift, and the staff is in need of an additional pastor-leader to help concentrate on the pathways for belonging and connecting into this community of believers. The right leader is going to bring experience in organization and strategy that supports vision and undergirds Bethany's mission to passionately follow Christ together. There is a dynamic ministry to the foster-parent/children community across La Crosse County, and the opportunity to build upon this area of ministry as well as other thriving outreach efforts, is exponential. As the congregation produces disciples through their group ministry, there is a need emerging among this congregation to equip and activate them as disciple-makers in their areas of influence and beyond. The incoming Pastor of Outreach and Connections will be mission-driven and passionate about the gospel of Jesus. They will work collaboratively with the team as they continue to develop a comprehensive and cohesive ministry strategy. The right pastor will be humble, a learner who takes joy in knowing people and becoming entrenched in the community they have the opportunity to serve.

Job Description

The Church

Affiliation: EFCA Attendance: 850, (plus 250 online viewers) About: Bethany offers three worship services each weekend at 9, 10, and 10:30 a.m. The services are identical with live preaching; the 10 a.m. service is held in the chapel and has a more laid back environment.

The Candidate:

Bethany is eager to welcome a mission-minded, gospel-focused pastor. This is a leader who thinks creatively and is open to new ways of reaching people with the gospel of Jesus. The right candidate will lovingly push the congregation to take action and move toward those who are far from God. At the same time, this is also a pastor of connections. Bethany desires to add to the team a leader who sees people and their unique gifts and abilities. They will bring experience developing processes and systems that develop and equip congregants for ministry. As a person who is energized by relationships, this pastor will make connections easily and take joy in giving ministry away. This person will work collaboratively with other pastors and leaders, but also take joy in developing and discipling those they have the opportunity to lead.

The Location:

Situated alongside the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin, La Crosse is a beautiful, picturesque waterside city of 51,000 residents with a variety of fun things to see and do for the whole family. Home to about 20,000 college students during the academic year, including the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Western Technical College, and Viterbo University, La Crosse is a thriving regional hub for the arts, education, technology and medical services. Stunning bluffs surround the city, and local residents enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as boating, camping, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and skiing at Mount La Crosse.

The Qualifications:

A theological master's degree is preferred, but not required. Undergraduate degree required, and if not possessing a theological master's degree, an undergraduate degree in ministry is preferred. If not ordained in the EFCA, be open to pursuing ordination upon arrival. Spiritually and relationally mature. Possess high emotional intelligence. Be a spiritual leader who focuses on the primary points of theology and allow secondary issues to stay secondary. Strong communication skills are critical, and experience in preaching will be an asset. This will be a pastor who brings a minimum of seven years ministry experience in one or more roles including: first impressions, hospitality, assimilation, outreach, and/or missions.