A unique opportunity awaits a certified LCMC pastor to begin serving on or around July 1, 2025. Our current contract pastor is planning to retire—though he is flexible with the timeline and willing to assist during the transition.
Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Beatrice, NE, and Christ Lutheran Church in rural Pickrell, NE, operate under a shared pastoral agreement and are actively seeking a fully certified MDiv pastor to lead both congregations. While each church remains independent with its own ministries, we collaborate for special services and events.
This call includes a beautiful countryside parsonage near Pickrell in northern Gage County. Beatrice is just 10 minutes away, and Lincoln—one of Nebraska’s largest cities—is less than 30 minutes away and growing ever closer.
About Our Congregations:
Cornerstone Lutheran was founded in 2010 by a family of believers across Gage County, Nebraska, coming together from numerous congregations in the area to rededicate to the Word of God, worshipping Him in Spirit and Truth in a relaxed and friendly environment. Members originated from several congregations prompted by the August 2009 ELCA position on same-sex marriage. They are a group of faithful, devout believers who are steadfast on the rock of scripture as the inerrant Word of God, desiring to grow in the Word.
Prior to completion of their current building, the members met in four different facilities. In 2013, four acres of land were purchased and utility improvements added at a cost of $158,000. Construction began in May, 2017 with the first service being held in the new building on January 7, 2018. Total cost of the handicap accessible building was $703,122.18 with the loan being paid off in 2021. A capital campaign was kicked off in 2023 to build a 3,720 sq. ft. addition including fellowship area, offices, and classroom space. Ground breaking was in October, 2024, with an estimated completion of May, 2025. Cornerstone's constitution was updated in 2024.
Cornerstone Lutheran congregation consists of 110 members with an average attendance of 61. They look forward to growing their congregation, especially with young families. In 2024, they celebrated one Baptism, two funerals and welcomed six new members. Cornerstone also has three Pastor-led Bible Studies each week. Church volunteers currently provide mowing, social media postings, and media operation. The church contracts snow removal and cleaning and employs a part-time Admin Assistant. Additionally, they provide in-person and on-line services. The services offer a blend of contemporary and traditional music with Holy Communion offered twice a month. Youth & Adult Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Confirmation classes are also offered.
Christ Lutheran Church
Christ Lutheran, founded in 1892 by German immigrants, began on a small plot of land that served as a central gathering place for the area's farming community. Over the years, the church and parsonage have undergone numerous rebuilds and renovations, ensuring they remain in excellent condition to meet the needs of all members. The church is ideally located between Cortland, Pickrell, and Adams communities, drawing members from each. As a rural church, our mission—Connecting Communities in Christ—reflects both the challenges and opportunities of growth in an evolving landscape where farmland is giving way to new acreages and subdivisions. Conveniently located, Christ Lutheran is just 20 minutes from Lincoln, the Nebraska state capital (population 291,082), and 15 minutes from Beatrice, the county seat. The region offers many opportunities, including higher education institutions, international and national corporations, diverse retail options, and abundant entertainment choices. Our congregation comprises individuals from Pickrell (population 250), Cortland (population 450), and the surrounding countryside, blending the traditions of long-standing farming families with the fresh perspectives of newer acreage residents.
At Christ, we regularly welcome nearly 110 congregants for communion and provide a variety of faith-based opportunities, including Bible study, confirmation classes, Sunday school, and several youth and adult organizations. In keeping with modern needs, we have upgraded our electronics to support online services and social media outreach, broadening our connection to the community. A recent memorial gift enabled the creation of a beautiful arboretum and a walking path, offering mourners a serene route to the nearby cemetery.
Christ Lutheran Church offers an outstanding opportunity for a pastor to inspire and expand our mission, enhancing outreach to the surrounding communities.
If you feel God is calling you to lead, serve, and grow with our congregations, we’d love to hear from you!
Contacts:
Dennis Hennerberg, Cornerstone Lutheran Church, dj@diodecom.net
Gayle Schlake, Christ Lutheran Church, gschlake82@gmail.com