Lead Pastor

South Shores Christian Church is an independent Christian Church rooted in the Restoration Movement (Stone-Campbell tradition), located in rural Decatur, Illinois. Our building serves as a gathering place, but as a body, our overarching mission is simple: to BE the church by helping people FIND and FOLLOW Jesus. We emphasize relational discipleship, biblical preaching, and authentic community connections.

We have a deep commitment to genuine community and relational environments. We are a warm, welcoming church family that genuinely cares for one another through life’s triumphs and challenges. Our congregation values biblically grounded, Christ-centered teaching while remaining outward-focused—actively serving our local Decatur community and supporting global outreach efforts to share the gospel.

Reports to: Elder Board

Position type: full-time

Available to: men

South Shores Christian Church (Decatur, IL) is prayerfully seeking a full-time Lead Pastor to partner with our elders, ministry staff, and congregation in advancing our mission to BE the church by helping people FIND and FOLLOW Jesus. Grounded in biblically sound, Christ-centered theology, the Lead Pastor provides spiritual, vision-casting, and administrative leadership across three main pillars:

Preaching & Teaching: Crafting and delivering biblically grounded weekly sermons; leading adult discipleship and small group opportunities; serving as the primary theological resource for the congregation.

Pastoral Care & Shepherding: Shepherding church members through life’s highs and lows with grace, prayer, and personal presence during times of crisis and celebration.

Visionary Leadership & Administration: Partnering with the elders to set long-term ministry goals, mentor staff and lay leaders, direct administrative/budget priorities, and champion local evangelism.

Men are encouraged to apply! Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and links to sample sermon recordings directly to pastorsearch@southshores.net.