Priest Search
Help write our next chapter
Rector / Priest-in-Charge & Campus Minister · Murray, Kentucky
St. John’s Episcopal Church invites you to discern a call to serve with us. We are seeking a collaborative, visionary priest who will join our inclusive parish family and nurture our ministry with students at Murray State University.
Full time: ⅔ parish ministry + ⅓ campus ministry
Receiving names since September 22, 2026; End Date TBA
Apply or ask a question · Watch our worship services · View Parish Presentation
About the position
This full-time role brings together the life of our congregation and Episcopal Campus Ministry at Murray State University. Two-thirds of the position is devoted to serving as Rector/Priest-in-Charge and one-third to campus ministry.
We are a resilient, “small-but-mighty” community at an exciting point in our life together. Our mission is to be an inclusive congregation drawn together by God through worship to love and serve all people and to work for justice in our community. We seek a partner who is energized by our close-knit parish family and eager to build connections among parishioners, young people, and university students.
Our leadership culture is grounded in shared governance and deep participation. We seek a servant leader who listens first, respects our history, and works alongside strong lay leadership to discern God’s calling for our future. An approachable manner, transparent communication, and the ability to connect across generations are central to this ministry.
The leader we seek
- A collaborative pastor who offers compassionate care through every season of life.
- A creative campus minister who welcomes students and connects them with the life of the Church.
- A partner in spiritual formation who engages children, youth, students, and adults.
- A leader with a growth mindset who supports outreach, inclusion, and justice in our community.
- A thoughtful communicator who empowers lay ministry and helps us navigate change together.
If you find joy in the daily work of being the church together, we invite you to walk this next chapter with us.
Compensation and support
Total compensation package: $75,001–$100,000.
This range includes salary, housing, insurance, pension, travel expenses, continuing education, cell phone, and moving expenses.
Get to know St. John’s
God loves you. No exceptions.
Our core values are unconditional welcome, faithful worship, lifelong Christian formation, and intentional service. Our life together includes parish and campus ministries, shared worship, and places for fellowship and reflection, including our Memorial Garden.
Campus ministry is woven into our parish’s story. At Murray State, Episcopal Campus Ministry creates space for students to share meals, study, pray, and care for one another. We seek a priest who will help this ministry flourish and strengthen the relationships between students and the congregation.
Learn about our parish · Experience our worship on YouTube · View Parish Presentation
How to apply
We began receiving names on September 22, 2026. No closing date has been announced.
Please email your application materials to stjohnsmurray@gmail.com:
- Cover letter
- Résumé with a minimum of three references
- Two to three sermon samples, in written and recorded form
- Responses to the applicant narrative questions below
You are welcome to use the same email address for questions about the position or the application process.
Applicant narrative questions
- How do you approach pastoral care in your ministry?
- How are you preparing yourself for the Church of the future?
- How have you experienced and addressed conflict in ministry?
- What has been your experience leading change in the Church?
- How do you incorporate accessibility and inclusion in your ministry?
- In what ways have you grown in cultural competency as a leader?
- What theological convictions shape your ministry?
- How do you discern and adapt to the changing needs of your community?
- How do you take care of your well-being—spiritually, emotionally, and physically?
- In what ways are you engaged in your wider Church or local community?
Come discern with us. We look forward to learning how your gifts and our parish’s hopes might meet in this shared ministry.