Primary Responsibilities
- Ensure that what is being taught in messages and all forms of worship across the entire church is theologically sound.
- Preach and teach on Sunday mornings for about 35 weeks per year.
- Prepare and teach for other significant church events.
- Inspire the teaching team in sermon series and message preparation engaging the congregation in Biblical and Theological Study.
- Collaborate with staff in preparing public communications through a variety of media outlets both within the church body and to the general public.
- Support and promote the culture and mission of Immanuel Church to love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Attend congregational gatherings and participate in the small group life of the church.
- Pray regularly for Immanuel’s ministries, including the staff and volunteers who lead these ministries, as well as the congregation.
- Support the ministry of Immanuel through regular giving.
- Work in harmony with each Staff and Lay Elder as they lead the body of Christ.
- Participate as a vital part of the overall vision casting for the church, mission planning of the church, and strategy within the church.
- Serve on various teams and committees as needed to enhance the ministry and encourage other believers.
- Motivate and inspire other elders by creating an intentional environment of pursuing excellence within the team, exercising encouragement, and practicing open and constructive feedback.
- Exercise loving church discipline along with the other Elders as needed within the church family in accordance with the Immanuel Constitution, Immanuel Bylaws, and Biblical principles.
- Plan and participate with the other Elders in various church events.
Personal Growth
- Pursue a healthy, mature, growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Create space for consistent personal study of the scriptures.
- Allocate ample time for personal and pastoral prayer as the Lord works in and through their life.
- Pursue continued professional growth opportunities and discipleship relationships within the ministry profession.
- Practice the individual spiritual disciplines to include, but are not limited to, prayer, Bible study, solitude, spiritual friendship, service, and stewardship.
- Cultivate a healthy relationship with their spouse (if married) and the family the Lord has given them. Keep a keen eye on their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and seek to love them well as an example to the congregation.
What You Bring
- Education & Experience
- A Master’s Degree in Divinity (or equivalent) or higher from an accredited Seminary is strongly preferred.
- A minimum of five years of teaching and preaching experience in church ministry is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- The spiritual gift of Teaching and Preaching.
- Proven experience in teaching and equipping the church body with passion and clarity using the Word of God in small and large group settings.
- Collaborative and effective team player who has the ability to bring leaders together, bridge ministry areas, and advance the mission and vision of Immanuel.
- Scholarly attitude to the Word of God, being able to rightly handle the Word of truth.
- Skills and abilities to effectively manage a variety of administrative tasks associated with the position.
- Spiritual, personal, and character qualifications of an elder in his personal and public life that are found in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9, and exhibit the fruits of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22.
- Ability to fully engage the audience and share a genuine, transparent message.
- Personal Characteristics & Qualifications
- Loves the Word.
- Engaging presence.
- Contagious love for Jesus.
- Cares about everyone’s area of teaching.
- Fun – gets along well with staff.
- Team player with the ability to collaborate.
- Personable/approachable in the lobby.
- Shepherding heart.
- Value their family and are intentional about keeping it healthy.
- Wants to be here for a long time – excited to be here.
- Gracious/forgiving spirit.
What it’s Like to Live in Gurnee, Illinois
Gurnee is a relatively small suburb of Chicago, Illinois with a population of about 31,000. It is settled within Lake County which is ideally situated midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with easy access to unlimited cultural, entertainment, and recreational activities. Lake Michigan and numerous smaller lakes provide opportunities for fishing and boating. The Forest Preserve District protects nearly 31,000 acres of natural land with over 205 miles of trails, in addition to dog parks, golf courses, and marinas. Fourteen colleges and universities serve 700,000 residents. The county also is home to Naval Station Great Lakes, the only location that trains Navy recruits. Housing environments range from urban to suburban and rural, with plenty of open space. A diverse population covers a wide variety of ages, ethnicities, and levels of education. In typical Midwestern fashion, people tend to be friendly, warm, and welcoming.
Chicago (45-60 minutes away)
Chicago, Illinois, is a beautiful place that encompasses many facets of diversity and possibilities in the city. Nestled on the north side of Chicago, you’ll find Lincoln Park and the Near North area. The high quality of life, community, and entertainment draw many residents to this area.
Lincoln Park is within close proximity to North Avenue Beach and fully equipped with several diverse dining and retail selections. Additionally, the Near North region is one of four areas that make up downtown Chicago. Lincoln Park and Near North are approximately three miles apart from each other with much to offer.
For opportunities to enjoy nature and a beautiful scenic view, there are places to explore like the North Pond Nature Sanctuary, the Diversey Harbor, Lily Pond, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Two other noteworthy mentions of the area are the excellent and competitive public schools as well as being rated as one of the top five best neighborhoods to raise a family in Chicago. With that being said, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to explore; this area is a great place to call home.
Milwaukee (45 minutes away)
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is perhaps best known for its famous breweries and the Major League Brewers, but there’s more to the city than beer and baseball. Milwaukee is rich in historical and cultural attractions, making it the perfect place for a weekend of exploring. Visit the newly expanded Milwaukee Art Museum or the Mitchell Park Horticultural Society, which hosts an annual show of the same flora and fauna seen in Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings. Learn the city’s history by visiting the grand Pabst Mansion, former home of one of the city’s famous beer barons, or the Milwaukee Public Museum, to see what life was like in Old Milwaukee. If the kids are along, don’t miss the Milwaukee County Zoo or the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Of course, a trip to the “Genuine American City” would not be complete without a tour of the Miller Brewing Company and a Brewers game at Miller Park.
