METHODIST

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 52

Meet Stigler First Methodist Church

Stigler First Methodist Church is a welcoming and service-minded church family in the heart of southeastern Oklahoma, where faith, fellowship, and community come together. With a mission to Love God, Love People, Live With Purpose, and Lead Others to Jesus Christ, the church is passionate about helping people grow spiritually while making a meaningful impact both locally and beyond. Known for its warm atmosphere and close-knit congregation, Stigler First Methodist offers opportunities for worship, discipleship, children and youth ministry, music, and outreach for all ages. Rooted in a rich history dating back to 1895, the church continues to be a place where tradition and purpose meet, inviting people to belong, serve, and experience God’s love in everyday life.

About the Lead Pastor

The Lead Pastor of Stigler First Methodist Church serves as the spiritual leader and chief administrator of the congregation, providing biblically grounded preaching, teaching, worship leadership, and administration of the sacraments in accordance with Methodist tradition. This individual offers pastoral care to members and the community, officiates weddings and funerals, and supports discipleship through opportunities such as Confirmation, membership classes, and involvement in children’s and youth ministries. The Pastor also oversees staff, works collaboratively with church officers and committees, helps develop and communicate the church’s vision, and encourages active member engagement. As a visible representative of the church, the Pastor participates in community and civic events, local ministerial partnerships, and helps lead the church in fulfilling its mission both locally and beyond.

The Lead Pastor's responsibilities include:

• Proclaim the gospel through preaching, teaching, and worship leadership.
• Administer the sacraments in accordance with Methodist tradition.
• Provide pastoral care to individuals and families within the church and community.
• Serve as chief administrator of ministerial and vocational staff.
• Participate actively in the local Ministerial Alliance.
• Represent the church in civic matters and community events, especially those involving youth.
• Work with families to plan and conduct weddings and funerals.
• Lead or arrange Children’s Moments during worship as needed.
• Lead Confirmation classes when youth numbers allow; offer adult membership classes as appropriate.
• Maintain a presence at Wednesday evening children’s and youth gatherings.
• Encourage youth participation in mission opportunities.
• Help develop and communicate a short-term and long-term vision for the church.
• Motivate and encourage members toward active involvement in church life.
• Support laity-led initiatives and ideas.
• Promote strategic planning, including an annual calendar setting each January.

Leadership & Administrative Responsibilities

• Provide administrative leadership for the full church program.
• Work collaboratively with church officers and committees; lead or assist in training as needed.
• Chair the Nominating Committee, ensuring nominees are contacted prior to listing.
• Ensure newly elected officers receive appropriate training.
• Advise and encourage committees to meet regularly in accordance with our bylaws.
• Supervise church staff and hold them accountable to their job descriptions.
• Lead the church in cooperating with associational, state, and denominational/connectional leaders; keep the congregation informed of developments.
• Maintain and post regular office hours.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Lead Pastor:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required; preference for candidates pursuing or holding a Master of Divinity. 
• Ordination preferred; candidates must be eligible for ordination and demonstrate a clear call to ordained ministry. 
• Commitment to Wesleyan theology and Methodist tradition. 
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Rolls up sleeves and works alongside the congregation
• Develops and cultivates a younger congregation
• Good at change management
• Gets to know folks in church well
• Engaged in community
• Visits people
• Brings energy
• Can delegate and trust committees
• Develops teams

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• High EQ - Relational and Relatable to all generations.
• Shepherd’s heart
• Good sense of humor, but be self-aware.
• Apolitical

What it's like to live in Stigler, OK

Living in Stigler, Oklahoma, offers a welcoming small-town lifestyle where relationships matter and neighbors genuinely know and support one another. As the county seat of Haskell County, Stigler has a strong community identity centered around local schools, churches, youth sports, and hometown traditions that bring residents together throughout the year. Life moves at a comfortable pace, making it an appealing place for families, retirees, and anyone looking to enjoy a quieter, more connected way of life. The cost of living is affordable, with opportunities to own land or enjoy more space than is often possible in larger cities.

One of Stigler’s greatest advantages is its location in scenic eastern Oklahoma, surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to some of the region’s best outdoor recreation. Lake Eufaula—Oklahoma’s largest lake is just a short drive away and offers boating, fishing, camping, and weekend getaways. Kerr Lake and the Arkansas River are also nearby, creating even more options for those who love spending time outdoors. Whether it’s hunting in the fall, fishing in the spring, or simply enjoying the peaceful landscape year-round, the area is ideal for people who appreciate nature and recreation.

While Stigler offers the charm and simplicity of small-town living, residents still have access to larger-city amenities within a reasonable drive. Fort Smith, Arkansas, Tulsa, and Muskogee provide expanded shopping, dining, healthcare, and entertainment options when needed. For many, Stigler strikes the right balance—offering a safe, family-oriented community with room to breathe, meaningful connections, and the conveniences of larger markets still within reach.