Job Description

Lead Pastor Opportunity

Bethel Alliance Church – Bethel, Maine

Bethel Alliance Church is seeking a Lead Pastor to shepherd a Christ-centered congregation that is committed to biblical teaching, authentic community, and reaching the people of western Maine with the gospel.

Bethel Alliance Church is a Christian and Missionary Alliance congregation with 41 members and an average Sunday attendance of approximately 75 Founded in 1969 and affiliated with the C&MA since 1979, the church is known for faithful biblical preaching, contemporary worship, generous care for one another, and a strong commitment to prayer. Active ministries include youth and children's programs, Bible studies, Coffeehouse Conversations, a monthly Community Supper serving approximately 100–150 guests, missions engagement, and a gifted worship team that includes several teenagers.

Primary Responsibilities

• Preach and teach God's Word faithfully, clearly, and in ways that connect with everyday life.
• Shepherd the congregation through pastoral care, counseling, visitation, and prayer.
• Serve alongside the elders, facilitate the Board of Ministries, supervise the part-time administrative assistant, and equip volunteer ministry leaders.
• Develop emerging leaders as longtime servants transition responsibilities to the next generation.
• Strengthen evangelism, community partnerships, and youth and children's ministries—particularly with the middle and high school located directly across the street.
• Model a servant-hearted, empowering leadership style that equips others for ministry.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be:

• A spiritually mature follower of Jesus marked by integrity, humility, compassion, wisdom, and a healthy sense of humor.
• A gifted communicator with demonstrated effectiveness in biblical preaching, disciple-making, leadership development, and evangelism.
• Someone who enjoys building relationships across generations and is excited to serve in a close-knit rural community.
• Ordained (or able to meet Christian & Missionary Alliance licensing and ordination requirements). Five or more years of pastoral ministry experience is preferred.

About Bethel

Nestled in the mountains of western Maine, Bethel is a vibrant New England village that combines small-town charm with exceptional year-round recreation. Surrounded by the lakes, rivers, forests, and peaks of the Mahoosuc region, the community features a walkable downtown, locally owned businesses, Gould Academy, and the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy world-class skiing at nearby Sunday River, hiking throughout Grafton Notch and the Bethel Community Forest, as well as biking, fishing, paddling, and camping. Portland and Portland International Jetport are approximately 72 miles away, while North Conway, New Hampshire, is just 42 miles away, providing convenient access to shopping, dining, travel, and additional recreation in the White Mountains.

To be considered for this position, please complete the application to include your testimony, resume and other background information related to the position. Submit to Holly Skalberg at holly@alliancenewengland.org

If the district office has reviewed your application and they think you may be a potential match for the position, that the hiring manager will reach out to you for next steps.

This position requires licensing with The Christian & Missionary Alliance. To learn more about The Alliance and requirements for licensing, please visit our website

Please do not contact the church directly.