Rochester Christian Church is seeking a Lead Pastor, or a developing leader with Lead Pastor potential, to help guide, teach, and shepherd our congregation into its next season of ministry. This opportunity is part of a unique and growing Shared Ministry partnership with South Fork Church of Christ (two healthy, independent congregations located in the same community, working together to strengthen each other, share leadership resources, and expand Kingdom impact in our area). While both churches maintain their own leadership, finances, and local identity, our partnership allows for collaboration in areas like teaching, discipleship, and outreach, helping both congregations thrive.
We also envision the Shared Ministries opportunities to continue to expand for Kingdom impact. For the right candidate, this could be a direct transition into the Lead Pastor role. Alternatively, for an emerging leader who senses a call to Lead Pastor ministry but desires further development, this opportunity offers a clear pathway to grow into that role within a supportive, team-oriented environment.
The Lead Pastor provides spiritual leadership, vision alignment, and biblical teaching for Rochester Christian Church. This individual plays a key role in developing leaders, discipling believers, and reaching our community for Christ.
For experienced candidates ready to step into full Lead Pastor leadership, this includes primary responsibility for leading a teaching team, vision alignment, outreach, and pastoral care while working alongside staff, elders, volunteers, and the leadership of our Shared Ministry partner church.
For candidates with Lead Pastor potential, we offer an intentional, structured pathway to grow into this role. That includes mentoring, leadership development, shared responsibilities, and support as you gain the experience and confidence needed to fully step into Lead Pastor leadership.
In both scenarios, you will collaborate with the Shared Ministry Pastor, who serves both RCC and South Fork by fostering alignment, shared opportunities, and joint ministry efforts. Our partnership with South Fork Church of Christ reflects our belief that healthy churches grow stronger when they work together.
About Rochester Christian Church:
Our History Founded in 1876, RCC has been faithfully serving God and our community for nearly 150 years. We’ve experienced God's provision through seasons of both blessing and challenge. As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we remain committed to making disciples, strengthening families, and reaching the next generation.
Our Community:
Rochester, Illinois, is a growing community located just seven miles southeast of Springfield. With a population of approximately 3,900, it offers excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, local businesses, parks, and recreational trails, making it an ideal place to live, raise a family, and engage in ministry.
Staff:
RCC currently employs multiple staff. We remain committed to missions (local and global), outreach, discipleship, and preparing for future ministry opportunities.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
We are seeking someone who is:
- A passionate, biblically grounded preacher and teacher
- Gifted at developing leaders and discipling others
- Excited to lead — or grow into leadership — within a Shared Ministry structure alongside South Fork Church of Christ and the Shared Ministry Pastor
- Committed to both local outreach and global missions
- A unifier with a heart for shepherding the body of Christ
- Preferably from a Christian Church/Restoration Movement background
Next Steps:
We welcome applications from experienced Lead Pastors ready to step into this role, as well as from gifted, emerging leaders who sense God's call to become a Lead Pastor and desire the opportunity to grow into that responsibility.
If you have a heart for discipleship, a teachable spirit, a gift for team leadership, and a desire to invest in shared ministry, we encourage you to apply. Submit your resume to: [email protected]
Contact Cecil Renshaw, Search Team Chair with questions at (217) 741-7165