Shepherd Staff is honored to be working with Leighton Church in Caledonia, MI as they search for their next Associate Pastor. Leighton Church is a rural country church that has been around for 162 years. They’ve recently disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church and are excited about their new independent status. The church is incredibly healthy in both unity and financial operations. 

Leighton Church has a familial culture where everyone is known, welcomed, and cared for. The church boasts numerous opportunities for all ages and spending time together throughout the week, deepening their relationship with Jesus. They hold to conservative Christian values including the sanctity of marriage, the teaching of the full Word of God, and a complementarian view of women in ministry.

The Associate Pastor position at Leighton Church in Caledonia, MI, is a unique opportunity to serve in a small-town church with deep roots and a strong desire to grow. This role is broad and relational—supporting the Lead Pastor, sharing in preaching and worship leadership, providing pastoral care through hospital and home visits, and investing in kids, youth, and families. 

The ideal candidate will be:

• Strong Relational and Pastoral Heart – Able to connect with kids, students, families, and the broader church body through preaching, teaching, hospital/home visits, and personal care.
• Leadership in Next Generation Ministry – Skilled at organizing Kids Ministry, revitalizing youth programs, and drawing in young people and families to grow the church’s future.
• Compatibility and Communication – Works well alongside the Lead Pastor (Dennis), communicates clearly, is decisive yet loving, and fosters teamwork with volunteers and staff.
• Worship and Musical Ability – Ideally able to lead worship and support the church’s music ministry while modeling passionate, Christ-centered worship.
• Spiritual Integrity and Lifestyle Alignment – Demonstrates a biblically faithful life marked by holiness, maturity, and alignment with the church’s values (small-town setting, nondenominational background, family-focused culture).

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Associate Pastor role at Leighton Church is a significant opportunity for the right leader to bring organization, vision, and renewed energy to key areas of ministry. The church has a strong base of volunteers and a clear desire to reach young people and families, but there is also a recognized need to strengthen the structure and effectiveness of Kids and Student Ministries. Revitalizing the youth department, creating systems of discipleship through home groups, and providing consistent pastoral care will be central to this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and lead the development of a comprehensive ministry to Preschool Children through High School students, their families, and student ministry leaders.
• Recruit, train, and disciple volunteers to handle tasks related to student ministries.
• Develop and manage discipleship programs, small groups and Bible study classes.
• Work alongside our senior pastor in leading the congregation in ministry and growth.