Lead Pastor | Planting Pastor

North Avenue Alliance Church
Burlington, Vermont

North Avenue Alliance Church is seeking a Lead Pastor to shepherd an existing congregation while leading the church toward a renewed expression of ministry that reaches the Burlington community.

This is a unique opportunity for a pastor with the heart of a shepherd, the vision of a church planter, and the mindset of an entrepreneur. The successful candidate will lovingly care for the current congregation while building trust, casting vision, and leading the church through a season of thoughtful renewal and mission.

We believe the Gospel never changes, but the ways we engage our community must continually adapt. Our desire is to develop a ministry that extends beyond Sunday gatherings through relational evangelism, discipleship, and innovative business-as-mission initiatives. Whether through a neighborhood coffee shop, community gathering space, social enterprise, or another entrepreneurial venture, we envision creating places where authentic relationships flourish and people naturally encounter Jesus.

Primary Responsibilities

• Shepherd and care for the existing congregation.
• Build trust while casting vision for the future.
• Lead the church through healthy revitalization and change.
• Develop and equip leaders, volunteers, and a growing core team.
• Engage the Burlington community through relational evangelism and disciple-making.
• Develop and lead business-as-mission initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for community engagement and Gospel witness.
• Preach and teach God’s Word with clarity and relevance.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A clear calling to pastoral ministry with a passion for church planting, revitalization, or pioneering new ministry.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to develop innovative ministry opportunities.
• Experience leading people through change with humility, wisdom, and patience.
• Strong relational, communication, and leadership skills.
• A passion for evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development.
• Alignment with the theology, mission, and values of The Christian & Missionary Alliance.
• Licensing with The Christian & Missionary Alliance, or a willingness to become licensed.

Success in this role will require both the patience to shepherd an existing congregation and the courage to lead it toward a new future.

About Burlington

Burlington, Vermont, is a vibrant university city on the shores of Lake Champlain, known for its entrepreneurial culture, creativity, and strong sense of community. It offers a strategic setting for innovative, relational ministry that reaches people beyond traditional church models.

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter, personal testimony, and résumé to:

Alliance New England
Attention: Holly Skalberg
holly@alliancenewengland.org

Applications will be reviewed by Alliance New England. Candidates who appear to be a strong fit will be contacted regarding the next steps in the process.

This position requires licensing with The Christian & Missionary Alliance. Please do not contact North Avenue Alliance Church directly regarding this position.