Pastor: Bethel Baptist Church of Colchester, IL

Part-Time Pastor (16 hrs/week) — Bethel Baptist Church, Macomb/Colchester, Illinois

About the Church

Bethel Baptist Church has gathered for worship at a country crossroads in McDonough County, west central Illinois, since 1872. Surrounded by farmland, woods, and Amish neighbors, Bethel draws from the surrounding countryside and the nearby towns of Colchester, Plymouth, and Macomb. The church is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region.

Bethel is a small, warm, and honest congregation. Sunday worship averages 18–20 in person, with several more joining by Zoom, and the regular attendees are mostly adults over 50. Worship is informal and relaxed yet structured, with room for Spirit-led sharing, congregational hymn requests, a gifted pianist, and Bibles that are opened often during the sermon. The previous pastor served for more than 28 years, the longest pastorate in the church's history. Since his retirement, the congregation has been led by guest preachers arranged by the Diaconate.

What stands out most about Bethel is its lay leadership. Members are committed, participatory, and practical ("If it needs done, it gets done."). The church has a streamlined committee structure, sound financial management, a beautiful and well-maintained building with an elevator and a large fellowship hall, and no mortgage or debt. Bethel is known in the community for its potlucks, cookbooks, and funeral and wedding meals. It supports a range of mission partners.

The congregation is clear-eyed about its situation. Attendance has declined, especially among families and youth, and many ministries have been on hold since the pandemic. The congregation believes God is calling Bethel to stay open, regain strength, and reach new generations, and says it is very open to new ideas and approaches.

The Position

Bethel seeks a part-time pastor for approximately 16 hours per week. The core responsibilities are:

• Preaching Bible-based, inspiring sermons on Sunday mornings and leading an adult Sunday School class

• Leading a Wednesday evening Bible study

• Visiting and providing pastoral care to members

• Working collaboratively with the lay leadership team (Diaconate, Trustees, moderator, chorister, and others) to help the church stabilize and grow

• Officiating weddings and funerals, if the pastor chooses, by arrangement with families

The Pastor We Are Seeking

Bethel is praying for a pastor who:

• Believes the Bible is true, applies it in their own life, and communicates it clearly and warmly

• Will inspire, challenge, and encourage the congregation toward the future God has prepared

• Has a collaborative temperament that fits well with a strong, experienced lay team

• Can help members discover and use their God-given gifts

• Brings ideas and energy for reaching younger people and families, and can help the church share the gospel in its community in word and action

This position may suit a bi-vocational pastor, a retired or semi-retired minister, a seminary student, or a pastor living in the Macomb/Western Illinois University area.

Compensation

• Annual stipend of $20,000–$24,000, inclusive of salary, mileage, and cell phone with service

• Workers' compensation insurance

• Shared church office with desk, file cabinets, supplies, and copier

• Strong lay support and collegial support from the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region

Health insurance, housing, and a church vehicle are not provided.

The Community

McDonough County offers a low cost of living, good schools, Western Illinois University and Spoon River Community College, McDonough District Hospital, Amtrak service in Macomb, and natural beauty including Argyle Lake State Park. Like any community, it has lonely people, stressed families, and folks struggling to make ends meet, and Bethel sees these as real opportunities for ministry.

How to Apply

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Questions about this position can be directed to:

Rev. Dr. Rob Kirbach
Associate Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region
rob@abcgrr.org | (217) 726-7366 x13

Please note: The American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region is assisting Bethel Baptist Church by posting this position and screening candidates. All interviews and hiring decisions are made exclusively by Bethel Baptist Church.