About Charis

Charis was planted in 2007 by a core group of believers with a burden for a Gospel centered, church planting, disciple-making ministry. We are located in Central Illinois in a combined community of roughly 150,000 that is home to Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University and a community college, solid public and parochial school options and two hospitals. We have a growing economy that offers diverse and well-paying jobs including our largest employer State Farm Insurance. Rivian, an American electric vehicle automaker and automotive technology company is a new growing employer.

As a church that values church planting, Charis planted a church in Metamora in 2023 and sent an elder to plant a church in Madrid, Spain in 2019. Currently Charis has 6 lay elders and a staff elder who is the associate pastor of formation. Weekly attendance averages around 240 with many young children and college students.

Qualifications

  • The Lead Pastor must meet the character qualifications of an Elder outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-12 and Titus 1:5-9. He is accountable to a plurality of elders. He will serve alongside the Elders to lead the church to fulfill our unique vision and values.

  • The Lead Pastor must model a mature, growing, vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, an active prayer life and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading.

  • The Lead Pastor must be able to work collaboratively with other elders/staff/ministry leaders in the church.

  • The Lead Pastor must have a desire and demonstrated skill in shepherding God's people reflective of the characteristics outlined in 1 Peter 5:1-4.

  • The Lead Pastor must have demonstrated skill and experience in gospel-centered expository Bible teaching/preaching, leadership, shepherding, and discipleship.

  • The Lead Pastor must affirm Charis’s Statement of Faith.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the Christ-Centered, expository teaching/preaching ministry of Charis. He will be the primary preacher while providing opportunities for other elders to preach. 

  • Oversee church planting partnerships and initiatives.

  • Work towards training up godly, humble, Christ-centered leaders, elders, and church planters.

  • Develop and lead our staff and elder teams in a Christ-like, servant-oriented way

  • Shepherd the members and families of our church in a pattern consistent with 1 Peter 5:1-4 through regular contact, counseling, and care.

  • Value and demonstrate servant-leadership consistent with Mark 10:42-45.

  • Provide vision to Charis in fulfilling our vision and values.

  • Value and demonstrate an ability to minister to a wide variety of people consistent with 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 

  • Assist other elders, staff, and volunteers as needed in various ministries within the church.

  • Devote time for prayer needs within the congregation.

  • Model personal evangelism and hospitality

Download Application
Download Statement of Faith

How to Submit

Please submit your responses, emailed along with your cover letter, resume, and two sermon links to Search Committee Chair Ryan Cookson at ryan@charischurch.com.