Associate Pastor

NON-DENOMINATIONAL/ Lutheran

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 290 (in person/online)

Meet St. John’s Church

St. John’s is a growing, multi-generational family of faith dedicated to loving God and loving others in a way that brings hope to the world. As an independent faith community rooted in the Lutheran tradition, we welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and traditions, believing that God’s love extends to all people.

Our vision is for all people to “Be Known”—known by God, known by others, and knowing oneself. Jesus said in John 10:14-16, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” At St. John’s, we seek to be a place where people encounter God’s deep, personal love, experience genuine community, and grow in self-awareness through Christ’s transforming grace.

Located in the heart of downtown Elkhorn, Wisconsin, St. John’s is deeply connected to the local community and just 10 minutes north of Lake Geneva. Our vision is to continue growing as we reach and serve our neighbors, drawing from the richness of our deep roots while embracing the relevance of a modern, Gospel-centered church.

We offer two worship services on Sundays—one modern-contemporary and one traditional—along with faith-building opportunities for all ages throughout the week. From children’s and youth ministries to family discipleship, service opportunities, small groups, and Bible studies, we strive to foster spiritual growth and connection for every generation. Our sermons are biblically grounded, theologically rich, and relevant to everyday life. 

At St. John’s, we value theological depth, spiritual formation, and authentic community, striving to foster connection, discipleship, and spiritual growth in a welcoming environment. Our worship is sacramental yet accessible, and we seek to remain rooted in tradition while engaging with the realities of modern life.

In a world often marked by division, we are committed to cultivating unity in Christ, embodying the radical, invitational love of God and the neighbor-centered vision of the Kingdom (Ephesians 2:14-16, John 17:20-23). As our community continues to grow, we are excited for this next season of ministry, listening for God’s voice and responding with grace, humility, and love.

About the Associate Pastor

St. John’s Church is seeking a passionate and dedicated Associate Pastor to serve alongside the Lead Pastor, shepherding spiritual growth and community connection through youth and family ministry, assimilation, discipleship, and pastoral care, while embodying the Gospel, fostering unity, and equipping the church to reflect Christ’s love in word and action.

The Associate Pastor’s responsibilities include:

Assimilation, Serving, and Discipleship (30%)

• Provide leadership in assimilation (welcoming and integrating new members).
• Promote and develop serving opportunities within the church and community.
• Lead discipleship efforts, including small groups and classes, and work alongside the Lead Pastor to develop and oversee a discipleship pathway.

Youth, Children and Family Ministry (30%)

• Provide pastoral oversight for children, youth, and family ministries, collaborating with existing part-time staff who lead these programs.
• Support and encourage the existing part-time staff in their roles.
• Develop and implement family ministry initiatives that strengthen family bonds and promote spiritual growth.

Worship Leadership (20%)

• Preach once per month and participate regularly in worship leadership.
• Preach biblically grounded, Gospel-centered messages that uphold the authority of Scripture and its relevance to everyday life.
• Assist in planning and leading worship services.
• Participate in and lead special services and events throughout the church year.
  

Pastoral Care (10%)

• Cultivate a ministry of presence, walking alongside individuals and families through all seasons of life—offering pastoral care through visitations, counseling, spiritual companionship, and life events.
• Assist in providing pastoral and sacramental care, including baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other significant moments in the life of the church.

Outreach and Community Engagement (10%)

• Engage in outreach efforts that reflect Jesus’ call to make disciples, serve the marginalized, and love our neighbors with Christ-like compassion.
• Develop and implement outreach initiatives that serve community needs and reflect Christ’s call to justice, mercy, and love.
• Foster relationships with community organizations and support our local and global mission partners.
  

Administration and Collaboration

• Participate in staff meetings and contribute to the overall leadership of the church.
• Collaborate with the Lead Pastor and other staff members to achieve the church’s mission and goals.
• Maintain accurate records and reports related to ministry activities.

What you bring

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

Education and experience

• An active, authentic, personal walk with Christ that includes a commitment to prayer, discipleship, sabbath rest, sacrificial giving,  and sharing your faith in word and deed.
• A commitment to nurturing the health and integrity of your marriage or embracing singleness with intentionality and faithfulness.
• Graduate degree from an accredited seminary (or in process).
• Lutheran background not required, but must be able to serve within a broad, ecumenical, sacramental environment rooted in the Lutheran theological tradition.
• Two or more years of experience in pastoral ministry, preferably in a similar setting.
• Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for working with families with children.
• Commitment to the mission and values of St. John’s Church.
• A deep commitment to the authority of God’s Word as the foundation for faith, life, and ministry.
• An openness to and reliance on the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding ministry, spiritual formation, and the life of the church.
• A commitment to cultivating a Christ-centered community that embraces diverse backgrounds, theological perspectives, and traditions—transcending division to reflect the radical, invitational love of God and the neighbor-centered vision of the Kingdom, in pursuit of the unity Christ prayed for (John 17:20-23).
• Relational and people-first approach to ministry.
• Eagerness to learn, grow, be mentored, and develop as a pastoral leader.
• A healthy awareness of the church’s current and historical challenges, yet a deep love for its potential to reflect God’s Kingdom.
• A sense of humor and the ability to create a joyful and engaging church environment.

What it’s like to live in Elkhorn, WI

St. John’s is located in the heart of Walworth County, often referred to as the “Lakes Area” of southeastern Wisconsin. Known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and strong sense of community, the area attracts both year-round residents and seasonal visitors seeking a balance of small-town charm and modern convenience. Elkhorn, the county seat of Walworth County, is a vibrant and welcoming community with top-rated schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a thriving local economy. The city’s historic downtown features shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while the surrounding region offers rolling hills, woodlands, meadows, and over 24 lakes, making it a haven for boating, fishing, hiking, and outdoor enthusiasts. While Elkhorn provides a peaceful, close-knit community, it also offers easy access to major metropolitan areas. Located just off I-43, Elkhorn is within an hour’s drive to Milwaukee and Madison, and less than two hours from downtown Chicago—making it an ideal location for those who appreciate both small-town living and big-city accessibility. Walworth County is also home to Lake Geneva, a renowned year-round destination known for its boating, shopping, dining, and festivals. Whether you’re looking to explore miles of scenic trails, visit award-winning golf courses, or attend beloved local events like the Elkhorn Ribfest or Walworth County Fair, the area offers something for everyone.