Lead Teaching Pastor

Find more information about our church and the role at connectatgrace.org/future

Grace Church in DeMotte was launched in the Fall of 1992 with a core group of families and its founding Pastor, Tim Hester who continues to lead today.  Originally meeting in a living room, expanding into a school gymnasium, and now occupying the building they’ve called home for 18 years on 40 acres, debt-free, Grace Church has been committed to community involvement as well as local and global outreach through a variety of ministries and church partnerships.  

Grace Church has grown by 12% consistently over the past five years, baptizing over 100 hundred believers and ministering to upwards of 800 individuals every weekend.  With a committed team of elders protecting the flock and a staff of 10 guiding and equipping the ministry Grace Church offers a variety of opportunities to ‘connect to God, His Church, and His World.’  Celebrate Recovery is in its sixteenth year helping believers find victory and freedom over their hurts, habits, and hang-ups.  A ten-week discipleship training experience called Rooted has helped over 150 believers strengthen their faith and walk with Jesus.   Grace Church gives more than ten percent of its general operating budget to endeavors beyond its ministry to support the Women’s Center of Northwest Indiana, orphanages in Cambodia and India, pastor training in Tanzania, and Bible translation in Indonesia.   

In 2024 Pastor Tim announced his intention to retire in the fall of 2026.  Over the past 33 years, God has been faithful in blessing and using Grace Church to connect people to God, His Churc,h and His World. We are excited about what God has in store for the next 33.  Below you will find additional information on what is happening at Grace Church as well as the next steps in our journey of transition and pastoral succession.

Title:  Lead Teaching Pastor

Purpose Statement:   The Lead Teaching Pastor of Grace Church understands, embraces and is committed to the vision/mission of Grace Church and serves to be the lead voice heard by our congregation for the opening of the word of God. The Lead Teaching Pastor reflects in their own personality and ministry philosophy the culture and DNA of Grace Church.

Accountability:  Grace Church is a Staff Led, Elder Protected Organization.  The Lead Teaching Pastor work diligently on implementing the vision, mission, and ministry strategy of the church through the teaching of God’s word.  They report directly to the Elder Board and work closely with the Executive Team

Hours: Full-Time

Salary: Yearly salary negotiable based on experience

The Lead Teaching Pastor's Responsibilities Include: 

• Serves as a member of Grace's Executive Team and serves as an active elder on the Grace’s Elder Team
• Determines the teaching themes and schedule for Sunday and planned services in conjunction with the Executive Team
• Oversees and supervises the soul care of the church staff
• Oversees the counseling function and ministry of the church
• Involved in regular Professional Development Plan reviews with the Executive Pastor
• Provides staff leadership and development training to staff and other church leaders
• Works with the Executive Pastor and elders in the development of the annual budget
• Develop the formation of the discipleship vision and strategy in conjunction with the Executive Pastor
• Develops relationships with area churches and Christ-centered ministries to proactively serve our community and share the gospel of Jesus Christ
• Creates and maintains healthy, effective communication within the leadership of the church as well as the church body
• Lead or coordinate Monthly Staff chapel
  
  

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Lead Teaching Pastor:

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of Leadership Experience at a church with over 400 people.
• Bachelor's degree in a biblical studies field from a recognized, accredited college or university. 
• Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent (strongly preferred). 

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

• Champions the vision of Grace Church without hesitation
• Committed student and engaging communicator of God’s Word 
• Equips and mobilizes disciples 
• Demonstrates humility, integrity, and grace
• Able to identify their own strengths and weaknesses
• Possesses a strong and secure sense of identity and comfort with who they are in Christ
• Ability to live well in rhythm in ministry, family life, and their personal walk with God.
• They are recognized among their peers as having the capability of processing exceptional emotional and spiritual health.

Pastoral Duties

• Regular involvement in Sunday Services (Host Moments, Teaching, Communion, Baptisms)
• Attend and facilitate (when needed) weekly staff meetings
• Participate in Pastor On Call rotation
• Conduct Hospital visits, prayer, and counseling as needed
• Officiate Weddings and Funerals