Job DescriptionJob Description

One Pastor, Two Churches

First Christian Church Woodbine & Moorhead Christian Church (Iowa)

THE BIG PICTURE

The opportunity is to work in a Yoked congregation () This is congregational ministry in a rural setting. We are two separate congregations that hold and maintain our individual governing councils and Mission statements. The congregations have open and honest conversations and share joint worship at least 1 time per year. We share the expenses and the ministry of the serving pastor. Each congregation has the expectation of this minister to offer pastoral practices and compassion that includes but are not limited to hospital and home visits, counseling of individuals as requested by an individual, conduct marriages, baptisms, and funeral services. We anticipate this individual will work with the existing governance council to identify resources and programs of community of faith education, including lead worship services, communicating with others in the preparation of the worship opportunity. Participate in the community activities and be involved in ministerial associations, and regional events as offered by the Disciples of Christ Christian Church. We have previously been led by seminary ordained and lay commissioned leaders.

Requirements

The Candidate

We have been fortunate enough to have pastors form both Lay commissioned and Seminary/ Ordained leaders. Our yoke is a STRONG YOKE, and our joint ministries have been together since 1989. Our yoke is governed by a joint ministry council composed of seven members. Four from the Woodbine congregation and three from Moorhead. We are seeking an individual that is driven by and through the Holy spirit to participate in the community of faith we have built. We want a leader that will offer meaningful, scripture-based lessons and leadership. Standing with the Disciples of Christ Christian church is not required for consideration or to begin employment. We ask for the candidate to have standing or be willing to create and maintain standing with the Upper Midwest Region during their time of ministry with us. We expect our pastor/minister leader to attend and actively participate in monthly council meeting as well as any committee as defined in our by-laws and operating standards. We encourage our minister to participate in community faith-based activities such as Local Ministerial Association, regional cluster groups and regional activities as offered by the Upper Midwest region of the Disciples of Christ Christian Church.

The Community

Woodbine is friendly and welcoming community. Located just enough from Omaha, Ne. to feel safe and secure (50 miles), yet close enough to have health care options. The short drive into the metro also provides a wide variety of shopping and entertainment options. Woodbine is known for both the industrial and agricultural services, it offers multiple industrial options for employment opportunities for production workers and highly trained professionals. Our recent census showed growth of more than 200 residents since the last census. The school system is regarded as one of the independent community schools. We host k-12 in one building and are recognized across the state as competitive in multiple sporting events.

Moorhead is a lovely small rural community found in the beautiful Loess Hills of Northeastern Iowa. Our town is holding our own in the light of decline of age of the community and the lack of production facilities. We are a close commute to Sioux City or Omaha. We are proud of our heritage, and we can offer easy access to the local Loess Hills and all the cultural they offer.

Benefits

The Compensation

Our congregation will provide the following: $40,000-$49,999

We will provide a cash salary (including social security offset) and housing (incl. utilities, furnishings, insurance, etc.) in the range selected. We will provide Housing in the form of Parsonage, adjacent to the church building. Fair Rental Value (per month), we offer our pastor a fair rental Value of $ 700.00 per month while occupying the parsonage. We support our pastor through the Pension Plan and are willing to negotiate that amount during discussions. We will provide payment for mileage related to ministerial services at the rate of the current government rate or as negotiated. There is at a minimum 100 miles per month expected and required of this position. The commute mileage between congregations is 20 + miles in each direction.

The Process

Please look over this job description. Along with your resume please answer these questions:

Why do you believe that you might be a good fit as the Pastor at these two churches?

Describe your experiences in ministry and how you may be qualified to serve as the Pastor of these two churches?

In just a few sentences please give a summary of your theology and how that is in line with the doctrine of these two churches?

Please send your resume, the answers to these questions and a link to at least one online sermon to