About The Center
The Center is a place of welcome, work, healing, and fellowship. Since 1932, our mission has been to give people the space to dream, grow, and become fully alive physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Rooted in Christian traditions and shaped by humility, hospitality, and service, The Center welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds into a shared life grounded
in community and care for creation.
The Center was born from very humble beginnings. In the early 1930s, Methodist minister Rev. Paul “Sandy” Sanders and his wife Elizabeth recognized the toll that economic hardship, isolation, and addiction were taking on individuals and families in their community. Together, they envisioned a simple place on a farm where people could live, work, heal, and rediscover purpose through honest labor, shared meals, wise counsel, and faith. Through generosity, volunteer labor, and deep fellowship, that vision took root and continues to shape who we are today.
Sandy often spoke of The Center as a “house by the side of the road,” not set apart from the world, but alongside it. A place of presence rather than judgment. A place where people could stop, be known, and be welcomed without condition. This vision was deeply shaped by a poem of that name by Sam Walter Foss that continues to guide our life together:
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish— so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat
Or hurl the cynic’s ban?—
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
This poem reflects the heart of The Center. We seek to live close to the road, attentive to the needs of those who pass by, committed to friendship, hospitality, and shared humanity.
Our Place and Community
Today, The Center sits on more than 75 acres in Palos Park, Illinois. Our site includes the open-air Wayside Chapel, a working farm, gardens, wooded trails, a sacred labyrinth, art studios, retreat and meeting spaces, summer camp cabins, a men’s recovery home, and a farm and nature-based preschool.
We believe creation is one of God’s greatest teachers. Much of our spiritual life is shaped by the land itself. People worship beneath the trees at the Wayside Chapel, walk the labyrinth in prayer, tend gardens, care for animals, and find moments of quiet reflection along wooden trails. These experiences of nature shape our sense of gratitude, humility, stewardship, and wonder.
The Center is supported by a vibrant fellowship that gathers weekly for worship, celebrates seasonal rhythms, engages in study and retreat, and plays an essential role in the spiritual life of this community. We are a progressive, inclusive, non-denominational Christian community. Our chapel doors are never locked.
While we are not a traditional parish, we do offer regular worship, baptisms, weddings, and memorial services, and we mark the liturgical year with intention and care. Many who participate in our programs never attend chapel, and that is not only accepted but honored. We strive to embody the wisdom often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel always. Use words if necessary.”
We hold, with St. Irenaeus, that “the glory of God is the human person fully alive,” and we seek to make that truth visible in how we live, work, and serve together.
Position Overview
The Pastoral Director serves as the primary spiritual leader of The Center. This role nurtures the spiritual heart of the organization and ensures that worship, pastoral care, and spiritual programming reflect The Center’s mission, values, and founding vision.
The Pastoral Director provides compassionate spiritual leadership to the fellowship, staff, volunteers, and broader community. This is a relational, incarnational ministry rooted in presence, listening, service, and community. The role aims to cultivate spiritual culture and help people recognize God’s presence in ordinary work, community, and creation. We strive to live what Jesus taught in Matthew 26: when you do it for the least of them, you do it to me.
The Pastoral Director works closely with the Executive Director, staff, and volunteers to steward The Center’s mission and to walk faithfully with the community through seasons of growth, challenge, and transition.
Key Responsibilities:
- Pastoral care of The Center’s fellowship and staff, including individual meetings, home and hospital visits, programs and special events.
- Plan and conduct 8:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. chapel services and memorial services.
- Work with other Program Directors to integrate the values of Christ and the Center into all offerings of the Center.
- Chapel Oversight:
a) Oversee the care and maintenance of the Chapel, chapel garden and labyrinth
b) Identify facility and housekeeping of the above areas and coordinate with the appropriate staff.
c) Recruit and hire Chapel-related staff such as auxiliary ministers, soloists, musicians and hostesses.
- Write content for The Center’s newsletter related spiritual programming.
- Work with leadership to set financial goals and manage budgets for Chapel and spiritual programs.
Qualifications
- Masters in Divinity preferred
- Ordained as a Christian minister
- Ability to learn the basic software and technology used for scheduling, communication, and administration.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to perform the physical duties of the role.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
General Expectations
- Collaborate across the departments and support major Center events when needed.
- Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and a strong commitment to The Center’s mission.
- Participate actively in staff meetings and community life.
- Represent The Center with professionalism, humility, and warmth.
Schedule and Compensation:
This is a full-time, year-round position. Regular office hours are required, along with weekend and evening availability to support chapel services, pastoral care, and special events. Compensation is based on experience and includes a supportive and well-rounded benefits package, including individual medical, dental, and vision insurance; a non-contributory pension plan with a 5% annual employer contribution; generous paid time off; meals during work hours; and discounted access to Center programs.
How to Apply
All candidates must apply through our online application form, available HERE.
The application includes submission of a resume, a writing sample, professional references, and several questions related to spiritual beliefs, ministry experience, and alignment with The Center’s mission and values.
To ensure a fair, thoughtful, and consistent review process, we kindly ask that all inquiries and materials be submitted exclusively through this electronic application. Phone calls, emails, or mailed materials will not be accepted.
We are grateful for your interest in The Center and appreciate your care in following this process.