Full-Time Pastor at Calvin Christian Reformed Church (Rock Valley, IA)

The Pastor of the Calvin Christian Reformed Church (Rock Valley, IA) provides pastoral leadership in all areas of church life, equipping men, women, and families of Calvin Christian Reformed Church to live as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: The Pastor will be:

• Devoted to the Lord and able to give testimony to his love for the Lord and call to pastoral ministry as a general practitioner.
• Dependent on the Word and Spirit and, thereby, a student of God’s Word.
• Developing the fruit of the Spirit which enables him to create and sustain positive relationships with people in both the church and community.
• Dedicated to the local church as the hope of the world.
• An approachable, flexible and emotionally healthy person
• Enjoy living in a small-town, rural area of Northwest Iowa.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS—The Pastor will be:

• An effective communicator, able to craft and deliver biblical sermons that connect with new and maturing Christians.
• An encouraging coach with experience casting vision, building consensus, developing strategic initiatives, and managing change.
• A wise liturgist who designs and leads worship services characterized by joy, relevance and authenticity.
• A devoted shepherd whose love for the congregation and desire for its spiritual well-being prompts him to provide spiritual direction and pastoral care to those in need.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Preaching/Teaching: The Pastor will thoughtfully and prayerfully prepare and deliver biblically based and relevant sermons which equip listeners with an understanding of biblical truths in a clear and discerning way. The Pastor will administer the sacraments and be able to teach in a variety of settings.
• Worship/Liturgist: The Pastor will plan and lead both Sunday services, as well as special annual services. He will be supported by a Worship Coordinator.
• Spiritual Direction/Pastoral Care: The Pastor will provide timely spiritual direction and pastoral care for those seeking baptism, profession of faith, church membership, marriage, healing, and encouragement, as well as for those suffering the loss of love.
• Leadership/Management: The Pastor will serve as the spiritual and organizational leader of the congregation partnering with the Council as they guide the congregation into a new season of ministry.
• Public Presence/Community Engagement: The Pastor will represent the congregation in the community and denomination, as well as engage in community-wide events in Rock Valley and surrounding communities.

EXPECTATIONS—The Pastor will:

• Embrace the lifestyle of being a solo pastor, a decision that requires availability, adaptability and discipline.
• Develop and execute a plan for spiritual and professional growth.
• Support and promote Christian education (primary and secondary).
• Meet or exceed the requirements for ordination as a Minister of the Word & Sacrament in the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). Consequently, he will be ordained or be ordainable as such, though ordained individuals from other historically Reformed denominations will be considered.