Care Pastor
About Peace Church
Peace Church, located just south of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a vibrant community of believers dedicated to spreading the gospel and serving the needs of our congregation and the wider community. Founded in 1965 as an RCA church, Peace Church has since transitioned to a non-denominational congregation. Our theological roots are deeply Reformed, and we pride ourselves on being conservative and gospel-centered in our teachings and practices.
Our commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ drives us to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and spiritual growth is nurtured. We are proud to share that our dedication to spreading God's word and our community outreach efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Outreach Magazine recognized Peace Church as the 29th fastest-growing church in America. And last year — 2024 — Peace Church was the 61st fastest-growing church. These accolades are a testament to our congregation's hard work and God's grace.
Our church is not just a place of worship; it's a community. From our passionate worship services to our engaging community events, every aspect of Peace Church is designed to bring people closer to God and each other.
We believe that pastoral care is central to the life of the church. Our mission is to love, support, and equip our congregation through biblical care, counseling, visitation, and discipleship.
This role is not just about providing care—it’s about leading, training, and mobilizing the church to be a community where every person is known, loved, and supported in Christ.
Accountability
Mitchell Leach
Community Pastor
Qualifications
- A growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Fully embraces Peace Church’s statements of faith, mission, and values.
- A calling to pastoral care ministry, with a heart for shepherding people through biblical truth.
- 3+ years of experience in pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, or a related field preferred.
- Strong counseling and crisis care experience, with a biblical approach to grief, suffering, and encouragement.
- Ability to lead and equip teams for pastoral care ministry.
- Skilled in communication, administration, and relational ministry.
- Proficiency with email, scheduling tools, Planning Center Online, and Asana.
Responsibilities
Pastoral Care & Visitation
Serve as the primary leader for hospital, homebound, and crisis visitations, ensuring biblical encouragement, prayer, and spiritual support.
Develop and maintain a care follow-up system to ensure an ongoing connection with those in need.
Provide pastoral counseling to individuals and families facing grief, life transitions, or personal crises.
Encourage and equip the church to care for one another.
Funerals, Memorials, & Crisis Support
Serve as the primary officiant for funerals and memorial services, providing biblical comfort and guidance.
Assist grieving families with funeral planning, pastoral support, and long-term care follow-ups.
Senior & Shut-In Ministry
Oversee and develop Senior Ministry programs, ensuring that older adults receive discipleship, care, and community.
Ensure seniors receive pastoral visits, meal support, and practical assistance.
Organize fellowship events, discipleship opportunities, and care resources for seniors.
Grief & Support Groups
Oversee and facilitate GriefShare, recovery groups, and other care-related ministries.
Develop new care-focused groups as needs arise (e.g., widow/widower support, parenting through hardship, etc.).
Partner with the Community team to integrate care ministry into spiritual growth opportunities.
Ministry Coordination & Administrative Oversight
Track and manage pastoral care requests, ensuring timely follow-up and documentation.
Use Planning Center, Asana, and other church tools to coordinate care efforts.
Collaborate with staff, elders, and deacons to strengthen church-wide care systems.
Participate in staff meetings, planning retreats, and key ministry discussions
Part-time position with pay commensurate with experience and training.
Professional Expectations
- Humble, Hungry, and People-Smart (see Patrick Lencioni, The Ideal Team Player).
- Highly relational, compassionate, and a strong listener.
- Organized and proactive, able to manage multiple care needs effectively.
- Flexible and adaptable in a fast-moving ministry environment.
- Able to maintain confidentiality and navigate sensitive care situations with wisdom.
- Be a fully engaged member of Peace Church, attending worship services and key events.
- Participate as a team member on staff, attending staff chapel, retreats, and planning meetings.
- Exhibit character and integrity consistent with biblical leadership standards.
Volunteer Oversight
Various care volunteers oversight.
What it's like to live in West Michigan
Caledonia and Middleville are charming communities located just southeast of Grand Rapids, offering residents the best of both worlds: the serenity of a small town and the conveniences of a larger city. Nestled amidst rolling hills, lush farmlands, and scenic landscapes, these communities are a haven for those seeking a peaceful, family-friendly environment.
The proximity to Grand Rapids provides access to a plethora of dining, entertainment, and cultural options. The Kent Trails system offers scenic routes for biking and walking, and the Thornapple River provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Living in these communities means enjoying the best of both worlds: a peaceful community setting with easy access to the vibrant urban life of Grand Rapids. One of the standout features is the proximity to Grand Rapids. Just a short drive away, residents can easily access the vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and the bustling downtown of "River City." This closeness allows residents to enjoy the cultural richness and amenities of Grand Rapids while returning to the tranquility of their hometown.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Caledonia and Middleville's numerous recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking trails to fishing in its pristine lakes. The town's location also offers easy access to Michigan's stunning lakeshore, forests, and dunes, making weekend getaways a delightful prospect.
Caledonia and Middleville's community spirit, combined with its scenic beauty and proximity to Grand Rapids, makes it a desirable place for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Living in this area means enjoying the charm of small-town life while benefiting from the amenities and opportunities of a larger city nearby.
Apply Now
Function
The Care Pastor provides leadership and oversight for the pastoral care ministry of Peace Church, ensuring that members and families receive biblical support in times of crisis, grief, and need.
This position includes pastoral counseling, visitation, funeral officiation, crisis response, senior ministry, and care-related programs. Additionally, this pastor equips volunteers and church leaders to develop a culture of gospel-driven care within the congregation.