Opportunity Profile

Lead Pastor

Presented by Shepherd Staff

Consultant: Jake Rhoads
​262.267.6550| Jake@TheShepherdsStaff.com

What you need to know most about this position:

After serving as Lead Pastor for the past ten years, Wes Kouba is transitioning out of his role. Before becoming Lead Pastor, he was called to Lakeside as an associate pastor. During his tenure, he has faithfully guided the church away from an attractional, consumer-driven model and toward a deeper focus on discipleship and community. In a church culture where many congregations prioritize a seeker-friendly approach, some members who preferred that model have moved to other churches. The next Lead Pastor must embrace and build upon the progress made, leading Lakeside forward into this new season of ministry and mission.

About Lakeside Church:

Lakeside is located in Worthington, a town of about 14,000 people in Southwest Minnesota.

The community is agricultural, and they are known for being one of the most ethnically diverse communities in Minnesota. They are a community of many ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities, and interests. The church has experienced a significant evolution over its 130 years, shifting its ministry philosophy from traditional conservative Baptist roots to a more missional and formational approach. Throughout this journey, the church has maintained valuable connections with various networks, including the Venture Church Network (formerly the Conservative Baptist Association, CBA) and more recently, the Harbor Network based in Louisville, KY. These relationships have played a key role in the church’s development and mission, providing support, accountability, and resources that have shaped its ministry.

Position Information:

Job Description

The Lead Pastor at Lakeside Church will provide spiritual leadership, vision, and direction for the church, guiding it in fulfilling its mission to impact the local community and beyond. They will work alongside a dedicated team of staff, elders, and ministry leaders to cultivate a diverse and thriving congregation that is engaged in gospel-centered worship, discipleship, and outreach. This individual will also continue to strengthen their relationship with Harbor Network, collaborating with other church leaders and contributing to the network’s mission of church planting and revitalization.

Visionary Leadership & Preaching

  • Cast and communicate a gospel-centered vision through preaching and teaching.
  • Strengthen the teaching team and model spiritual growth.

Church Health & Culture

  • Foster an inclusive, diverse church culture that promotes unity and reconciliation.
  • Oversee ministries that engage all generations and support spiritual and relational needs.

Shepherding & Discipleship

  • Lead spiritual formation, discipleship, and pastoral care.
  • Oversee community groups and discipleship programs.

Collaboration & Leadership

  • Equip staff and lay leaders while working with the Elder Board on strategic leadership.
  • Champion Harbor Network initiatives for church growth and revitalization.

Community Engagement & Outreach

  • Lead local and global outreach, building partnerships and equipping the church for missions.

Ideal Candidate Description

Visionary Leader – Clearly sees and champions the church’s mission and discipleship focus.

Relatable & Personable – Easily connects with people, approachable, and fosters genuine relationships.

Humble & Down-to-Earth – Leads with humility, authenticity, and a servant’s heart.

Accepting & Non-Judgmental – Meets people where they are, offering grace and understanding.

Entrepreneurial & Creative – Thinks outside the box, embraces innovation, and fosters new ministry opportunities.

Empowering Leadership – Equips and encourages staff and laity to serve and lead effectively.

Community-Minded – Engages with and responds to the needs of the diverse local culture.

Patient Shepherd – Provides spiritual care and guidance with wisdom, compassion, and perseverance.

Bold & Passionate - Driven by a love for the church and ministry.

Position History

Jonah Beckermann was hired as Senior Pastor in 2009. In January 2015, he brought Wesley Kouba on staff as the Pastor for Teaching and Discipleship. On June 1, 2015, Jonah stepped down as Senior Pastor for personal reasons and In January 2016, Wesley was voted in as the new Lead Pastor.

In November 2023, Wesley began discussions with the Elders and Leadership Team about what a succession plan might look like for Lakeside. A year later, in November 2024, he informed them that he felt the Lord leading him in a new direction. A formal transition process was set in motion, and on January 5, 2025, the Lakeside congregation was officially informed of Wes’ decision. While the church community is saddened by this news, they also celebrate his leadership, tenure, and accomplishments, and they send him off with gratitude and blessings as he steps into his next ministry assignment.

Shepherd Staff Observations:

Shepherd Staff spent time onsite at Lakeside Church interviewing leaders, staff, and critical church members to gain valuable insights about the church, the position, and the community. Here are our unbiased observations.

About the Church

Over the past decade, the church has experienced a decline in both membership and finances, largely due to pastoral and staff turnover, the impact of COVID-19, and shifts in leadership that have influenced the church’s cultural DNA. Like many Midwestern communities, there is a reserved nature among members and trust must be built before people are fully open with their feelings and struggles.

Despite these challenges, the sense of welcome and hospitality we received was warm and genuine. We experienced an openness and had meaningful conversations with those that we met and spent time with in our meetings with various staff, leadership, and stakeholders. The church greatly desires to reach and serve their community and to look more like the community itself in being more culturally and demographically diverse. They have a new sense of mission and purpose through the work that Wes and the leadership have done inwardly and through their various networks.

Worship was heartfelt and genuine, though it lacked some energy and dynamics. The congregation seemed engaged, with some members outwardly expressive in their worship, at times even more so than portions of the worship team. There is an opportunity to enhance engagement further by incorporating more visuals, message bumpers, and videos to better connect to the scripture and message.

All in all, the staff, leadership, and congregation are poised and excited to welcome their new lead pastor and to begin the journey together to live on-mission in this next season of ministry.


About the Position

As the church looks to the future, it is essential for the next Lead Pastor to build on the deep discipleship work already in progress, ensuring a strong and stable foundation. A key priority will be uniting the staff and ministry board around a clear and cohesive identity, allowing the church to move forward with clarity and purpose.

About the Leadership

Leadership is navigating a transition with the departure of Wes. While the congregation is saddened by his exit, they are ready to support and champion him as he steps into his next role. There is also an opportunity to encourage more active involvement from some Ministry Board members and lay leaders by providing clear action points and engagement opportunities. We are encouraged that the leadership appears unified in their purpose and direction, particularly in their commitment to deepening discipleship and strengthening the church’s sense of community.

About the Community

The church is located in a rural Midwestern town, near the river and downtown area. This is no typical smaller rural town as there are over 60 languages represented in the community. The facilities are well-maintained and provide ample space for ministry. The town itself is diverse and lacks a dominant large church, positioning this congregation to be a key spiritual presence in the community.


Lakeside Church Information:

History of the Church:

Lakeside Church in Worthington, MN, has evolved significantly over its 130-year history. Originally rooted in Conservative Baptist traditions, the church emphasized doctrinal preaching, evangelism, and an attractional model designed to draw people in through engaging worship and programs. In the early 2000s, it adopted contemporary worship and small groups to make church attendance more accessible and relevant.

Since 2015, Lakeside has shifted toward a missional and formational approach, focusing on equipping members to live out their faith in everyday life. This transition included the introduction of missional community groups and an emphasis on spiritual formation, deepening discipleship beyond knowledge into character transformation. Partnerships with VantagePoint3 Ministries and its Journey Groups have played a crucial role in fostering personal and communal spiritual growth.

Lakeside’s affiliation with networks like the Venture Church Network and, more recently, the Harbor Network has provided essential support and resources for leadership development and mission-driven initiatives. Today, the church remains committed to holistic discipleship, community engagement, and multiplying its impact locally and beyond. Through these efforts, Lakeside Church continues to grow as a vibrant, missional community focused on living out the Gospel in practical and transformative ways.

Mission & Core Values:

Mission

Lakeside Church is a Gospel-shaped family on-mission who make disciples for the glory of God and the good of his Kingdom.

Core Values

We wonder. We welcome. We restore. We rest. We serve.

Church Beliefs:

Godhead: One Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—eternal, equal in power, glory, and attributes, worthy of worship and obedience.

Jesus Christ: The eternal Son of God became man through the virgin birth, lived to reveal God, and redeemed humanity through His death and resurrection. Now exalted at the right hand of the Father.

Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity convicts of sin, regenerates believers, indwells, seals, and empowers them with spiritual gifts.

Humanity & Sin: Created in God's image but fallen through Adam’s sin, humanity is alienated from God and completely unable to restore itself without divine grace.

Salvation: Only possible through grace by faith in Jesus Christ’s substitutionary death and resurrection. Repentance is a vital part of belief, not a separate condition.

Scripture: The entire Bible is divinely inspired, inerrant in its original manuscripts, and the final authority on faith and practice.

Eternal Security: True believers are secure in Christ forever but are subject to church and divine discipline if living in unrepentant sin.

The Church: A spiritual body of all believers, distinct from Israel, tasked with maturing disciples and exercising discipline when necessary.

Eternal State: Believers immediately enter God’s presence at death; unbelievers face conscious separation, ultimately leading to eternal punishment.

Lakeside Church Staff:


Wesley Kouba
​Lead Pastor


Libby Johnson
​Director of Worship & Creative Arts

Mary Stewart
​Director of Spiritual Formation


Jason Ling
​Director of Care & Connection





Community Information:

Worthington, Minnesota, offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors. Here are five fun things to do in and around the area:​


Explore Nobles County Pioneer Village

Step back in time at Nobles County Pioneer Village, Minnesota's largest landmark village. This historic site features over 30 restored buildings, including a general store and a stucco church, offering a glimpse into the region's pioneer history.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Lake Okabena

Lake Okabena is a central feature of Worthington, boasting ten lakeside parks equipped with picnic areas, playgrounds, and boat launches. It's an ideal spot for fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the water.

Visit the Nobles County Heritage Center

Located in the historic Worthington Armory, the Nobles County Heritage Center preserves and showcases the history of the area. The museum offers exhibits on early settlers, agricultural heritage, and cultural development, making it a valuable resource for history enthusiasts.

Attend a Performance at Memorial Auditorium

Experience local culture at the Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center. This venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts, theater productions, and community gatherings. It's a hub for entertainment in Worthington.

Relax at Centennial Park

Centennial Park offers a serene environment with walking trails, open spaces, and picnic areas. It's a great place for families to enjoy outdoor activities or for individuals seeking a peaceful retreat within the city.


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