Lead Pastor

About the role

Refuge Church is seeking a Lead Pastor who will shepherd, disciple, and lead the congregation with a deep love for Jesus, His Word, and His people. Located in the heart of Appleton, Wisconsin, the church is a growing and intentionally multi-ethnic community committed to keeping the gospel central in all they do.

Responsibilities

• Shepherding & Discipleship
• Provide spiritual care and shepherding for the church body
• Develop a culture of discipleship and spiritual growth
• Invest personally in mentoring and developing leaders
• Cultivate authentic biblical community
• Preaching & Teaching
• Faithfully preach and teach the Word of God
• Prepare gospel-centered sermons with practical application
• Lead the church in biblical truth and spiritual maturity
• Prayer & Spiritual Leadership
• Model a life of prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit
• Lead the church spiritually with humility and wisdom
• Provide pastoral care
• Leadership & Vision
• Serve as a member of the elder team and chairman of the Governing Board
• Guide the church toward healthy growth and mission
• Support and strengthen Refuge’s multi-ethnic mission and identity
• Equip the congregation to engage the community and make disciples

Requirements

• A growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ
• Alignment with the theology and mission of The Alliance (C&MA)
• Be fully licensed/ordained as an official worker of the Christian and Missionary Alliance
• If not already licensed with the C&MA, be willing to be licensed with the Western Great Lakes District prior to hiring and then pursue ordination
• Demonstrate pastoral, shepherding, and discipleship gifting
• Experience in preaching and teaching Scripture
• Ability to build relationships across cultures and backgrounds
• Humility, emotional maturity, and relational wisdom
• A heart for unity, care, and spiritual formation
• Formal ministry training and pastoral experience required (Bachelor’s preferred / 5+ years of experience preferred)

Qualifications

• Desired Qualifications
• Alignment with the theology and mission of The Alliance (C&MA)
• Be fully licensed/ordained as an official worker of the Christian and Missionary Alliance
• If not already licensed with the C&MA, be willing to be licensed with the Western Great Lakes District prior to hiring and then pursue ordination
• Demonstrate pastoral, shepherding, and discipleship gifting
• Experience in preaching and teaching Scripture
• Ability to build relationships across cultures and backgrounds
• Humility, emotional maturity, and relational wisdom
• A heart for unity, care, and spiritual formation
• Formal ministry training and pastoral experience required (Bachelor’s preferred / 5+ years of experience preferred)

About Appleton, Wisconsin

Appleton is a vibrant city in the Fox Valley region of Northeast Wisconsin. The area offers a strong sense of community, excellent schools, outdoor recreation, and a growing and diverse population. Refuge Church is uniquely positioned in the heart of Appleton to engage people from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should fill out the application and submit a resume, a video recording of a sermon they have given, a cover letter outlining their personal testimony as well as philosophy of ministry, at least three personal/character references, AND one reference from another pastor (including contact information and relationship context for each reference).