Preaching Minister Opening
Highlands Church of Christ | Lakeland, Florida
Not just a pulpit. A partnership.
Highlands Church of Christ, a congregation of about 200 members in Lakeland, Florida, is prayerfully seeking a full-time Preaching Minister. We want someone who loves God's Word, loves people, and wants to serve with a congregation, not simply preach for one.
Who We Are
We are committed to New Testament Christianity, worship with a cappella congregational singing, and teach the biblical plan of salvation.
Our mission: Connected to Christ, connected in community, and connected to our calling, Highlands Church of Christ strives to share the gospel, make disciples, and bear fruit that reflects the life of Jesus.
Our vision is built on seven pillars:
Outreach & Service: Faith in action. We love our neighbors by meeting needs, serving in the community, and showing Christ’s compassion.
Welcoming Community: Everyone belongs here. We create a place where newcomers feel at home from the moment they step through the doors.
Authentic Relationships: Life is better together. We prioritize real, supportive connections where people can share struggles and joys.
Christ-Centered Worship: Jesus at the heart of it all. Every song, prayer, and message points people to Christ and His transforming love.
Biblical Teaching & Spiritual Growth: Rooted in God’s Word. We believe the Bible is living and active, shaping our daily lives and guiding our steps.
Prayer & Presence: Faith is a verb. Each day, we build lives rooted in prayer, reflection, and trust as we walk closely with God.
Hope & Transformation: Lives changed by Jesus. We celebrate stories of redemption, healing, and God’s power to bring new life.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a faithful member of the Churches of Christ with a mature, growing faith and a deep commitment to Scripture and sound doctrine. You preach and teach clearly and engagingly, have a heart for reaching people who don't know Christ, connect across generations, and work humbly and collaboratively with our elders, staff, and ministry leaders.
Helpful, but Not Required
A degree in Bible, ministry, theology, or a related field is preferred, and equivalent experience will be considered. Preaching and ministry experience is valued, whether gained through internships, student preaching, or years of service. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Energy in the pulpit, experience leading or supervising others, experience in ministerial care, familiarity with Planning Center, and comfort with technology, including Microsoft 365, are pluses.
No one checks every box. If this sounds like your heart, we want to hear from you.
What You Will Do
• Administer the day-to-day operations of the church
• Prepare and deliver biblically grounded, Christ-centered sermons and teach Bible classes
• Work closely with the elders as a collaborative partner, along with ministry leaders and staff
• Lead and model personal evangelism
• Provide ministerial care during illness, grief, crisis, and life transitions
• Equip members to discover their gifts and serve, and mentor younger Christians and future leaders
• Use technology tools, including Microsoft 365 Tools, Planning Center, and social media approaches to share the gospel
What We Offer
Our compensation package starts at $75,000+, including flex housing and PTO.
A warm, engaged congregation in a growing Central Florida community with good schools, family life, and easy access to both coasts.
How to Apply
Step 1: Introduce yourself. Send a résumé, 2 references, links to 2-3 recent sermons, and your answers to the four questions below. Sermon samples should be your own work, prepared and delivered by you. Answer on video (3 to 5 minutes total) the below questions:
1. What is the most important thing a preaching minister does, and how has that shaped your ministry?
2. What are you most passionate about in ministry? Tell us about a time you helped someone far from God come to Christ, or helped a struggling Christian come back. What did you learn?
3. Describe how you work with elders, especially when you see something differently.
4. Why Highlands, and why now?
Submit applications to: events@hcofc.org by November 15, 2026.
If there is mutual interest after we have received your answers to Step 1, we will reach out to you about Step 2 found below.
Step 2: Share your story. We invite you to record a short video (5 to 7 minutes) sharing your personal testimony: how you came to Christ and how God has shaped your life and calling. We ask because we want to know who you are, not just what you can do.
Confidentiality: We understand that a search is sensitive for a minister currently serving. Your inquiry will be handled with discretion and shared only with our search team.