Pastor

The opportunity

Job Description Outline
Position: Pastor – Cornerstone Community ChurchLocation: Fairfield, IllinoisChurch Type: Independent Protestant / Bible-centered

1. Position Overview
The Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church is called to serve as the primary spiritual leader, shepherd, and teacher of the congregation. The Pastor will care for the spiritual health of church members, lead worship and preaching, and support the growth of the church both internally and within the surrounding rural community.
The Pastor should have a heart for people, a love for Scripture, and a desire to build relationships in a close-knit, small-town environment.

2. Primary Responsibilities
Spiritual Leadership & Preaching
Prepare and deliver biblically based sermons each Sunday
Lead or oversee all worship services and special services (Christmas, Easter, etc.)
Provide vision and direction aligned with the mission of Cornerstone Community Church
Pastoral Care & Shepherding
Visit members in hospitals, homes, and nursing facilities
Provide prayer, encouragement, and biblical counseling
Officiate weddings, funerals, and baptisms
Support families during times of crisis or grief
Church Leadership & Ministry Support
Work closely with the church board and leadership teams
Participate in planning, budgeting, and setting ministry goals
Encourage, equip, and support volunteers and lay leaders
Help develop and strengthen ministries (children, youth, adults)
Community Engagement & Outreach
Be visible and active in the local community
Build relationships with families, schools, and local organizations
Encourage outreach, evangelism, and church growth
Support special outreach events hosted by Cornerstone Community Church

3. Secondary / As-Needed Responsibilities
Lead or assist with Bible studies and small groups
Support youth and children’s programming
Provide leadership in prayer gatherings or fellowship events
Oversee or contribute to church communications (bulletin, announcements, basic social media)
Participate in local ministerial or community groups, as able

4. Desired Qualifications
A sincere, growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ
A clear calling to pastoral ministry
Agreement with the core biblical beliefs of Cornerstone Community Church
Some form of theological training (formal education or equivalent ministry experience)
Experience in preaching and pastoral care preferred
Ability to connect with people of all ages in a rural setting

5. Desired Personal Characteristics
Warm, approachable, and compassionate spirit
Strong integrity and servant leadership
Self-motivated and dependable
Good communicator and listener
Flexible, creative, and willing to serve in multiple roles as needed

6. Work Schedule
Sunday services and leadership (required)
Weekday time for sermon preparation, visits, and administration
Occasional evenings for meetings or events
Availability for emergencies and pastoral needs

7. Compensation & Support
Salary based on experience and availability
Housing: housing allowance (if offered)
Possible mileage reimbursement
Vacation and time off to be determined
Continuing education encouraged and supported as possible

8. Accountability
The Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church will be accountable to:
The Church Board and Leadership Teams
The Congregation, through regular communication and reporting
Performance reviews may be conducted annually or semi-annually.