Excelsior Covenant Church (ECC) in Excelsior, MN is excited and ready to welcome an experienced Senior Pastor who embodies a strong commitment to spiritual growth, community involvement, and faithful preaching. This position offers an attractive opportunity to join a devoted church community dedicated to honoring God, sharing the Gospel, and nurturing disciples through living life together.
Founded in 1948, ECC has been a longstanding beacon for spiritual growth and community support. Strategically located, the church expanded its facilities over several years to meet the needs of a growing congregation. Recently, however, ECC has faced challenges. A decline in membership has been attributed to many factors: the COVID pandemic, social tensions, the George Floyd tragedy, and leadership departures have all occurred in a short span of time. To address these issues, ECC is working with intentional interim pastor Paul Murphy to initiate internal improvements. Progress has been made in this interim period, setting the stage for further improvement. The Leadership Team and devoted members have stepped up guiding the church with resilience. Under Pastor Paul’s guidance, ECC has achieved newfound stability, a serene atmosphere, and improved overall health, allowing the congregation to refocus on growth and healing.
The ideal Senior Pastor embodies a comprehensive leadership style rooted in and dedicated to Biblical truth. This pastor seamlessly integrates these principles into everyday life, connecting with congregants through relatable experiences. With a heart for the lost, this pastor sets a tone of spiritual leadership, casting vision from a genuine overflow of their personal relationship with God. Characterized by relational warmth and approachability, the right pastor invests time in listening, understanding, and uplifting individuals to strengthen faith and community bonds. This person will address difficult truths with sensitivity and compassion while upholding Gospel integrity. Balancing effective outreach and discipleship, operating at the “speed of trust,” and empowering staff while optimizing teamwork and resources are hallmarks of their leadership. The communication style will foster trust and understanding. As a visible representative of ECC, the selected pastor embraces the local community and prioritizes effective outreach and evangelism.
Situated on Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior strikes a balance between charm and practicality. Its location provides scenic lake views and opportunities for outdoor activity. The downtown area is a historic hub with shops, galleries, and cafes, giving off a small-town vibe. Families are drawn to Excelsior for its good schools and safe neighborhoods. Excelsior’s appeal lies in its mix of natural beauty and small-town feel while still located close to Minneapolis.