Central Connections Pastor

Position Overview

This role helps people move from connection to commitment – guiding them toward becoming fully devoted disciples through Rooted, Connect Groups, serving teams, and intentional pastoral relationships. The Central Connections Pastor serves across Westbrook (Bolingbrook) and Crossroads (Joliet), unifying our connection and discipleship strategy while providing pastoral care and building authentic relationships across all congregations.

Responsibilities

- Oversee and grow the Rooted discipleship pathway, ensuring healthy cycles, leader development, and clear next steps for participants.

- Develop and multiply Connect Groups – working with volunteers in creating a pipeline for leadership and group multiplication.

- Oversee guest services systems and working with volunteer leadership of those systems at both congregations — recruiting, training, and empowering volunteers to create welcoming environments for guests and regular attenders.

- Develop and maintain clear next-step pathways that help people move from guest -> Rooted -> Connect Groups -> serving teams -> leadership.

- Develop a leadership pipeline that identifies, equips, and releases new group leaders and ministry volunteers.

- Provide pastoral care to individuals and families (predominantly Westbrook, occasionally Crossroads).

- Champion the “One Church, Three Congregations” vision by building relationships across all congregations and reinforcing shared language, values, and mission.

- Identify and develop emerging leaders within connection and discipleship ministries.

- Coordinate and occasionally oversee key discipleship events such as Welcome to Westbrook/Crossroads gatherings, Rooted celebrations, and other connection opportunities that help people take next steps.

- Work with Planning Center and church data systems to track engagement and ensure consistent follow-up with guests and new participants.

- Continually evaluate and improve connection strategies to help more people experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

Who Thrives?

- Someone who genuinely loves people and Jesus

- 5+ years of ministry experience of a similar nature

- Strength in recruiting, training, and developing leaders

- Relational strength mixed with organizational skills

- Someone who is approachable and authentic

- A team builder who understands systems and relationships

- Self-starter who takes initiative and can build systems that help people take next steps in discipleship

- A bachelor’s degree in ministry or related field