Pastor

JOB PROFILE

Characteristics of St. Clair County, Missouri

Osceola, Missouri, serves as the county seat of St. Clair County and is located along the Osage River Arm of Harry S. Truman Lake in west-central Missouri. The city occupies a small area of land of just under one square mile, with a modest portion of water included in its boundaries. Its landscape reflects the broader region’s rural character, marked by rolling hills, timber, waterways, and agricultural land. The surrounding county encompasses nearly 675 square miles, offering a wide expanse of open space, farmland, and natural features typical of the Karst-influenced, Missouri Ozarks transition zone. The area has a rich heritage of outdoor activities available with approximately 10,000 acres of Truman Lake and 40,000 acres of public lands in St. Clair and surrounding counties.

Demographically, Osceola is a small community of roughly 955 residents as of recent estimates. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Black, Hispanic, and multiracial populations. The median age in Osceola is approximately 43.6, slightly younger than the county overall, and the median household income is around $32,245. The city experiences a relatively high poverty rate, with more than 30% of residents living below the poverty line.

St. Clair County has a population of approximately 9,752, giving it a very low population density of about 14 people per square mile. The county’s demographic profile leans older, with a median age of 47.2, and remains overwhelmingly White, with small percentages of Black, Native American, and Hispanic residents. Median household income in the county is roughly $43,483, and about 19.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The county’s rural character, aging population, and modest economic indicators shape much of its social and economic landscape, influencing community life, local institutions, and the expectations placed on civic and religious leadership.

Osceola offers many of the essential amenities that support both daily life and meaningful community connection. The town is home to a public library, a K–12 school, a local grocery store and a selection of family-owned coffee shops and restaurants. Community life is further enriched by an active Chamber of Commerce, a thriving Optimists Club, and a cooperative Ministerial Alliance that fosters unity among local churches. Within a 30-minute drive, families also have access to two private Christian school options. Numerous small, family-owned businesses contribute to Osceola’s character, reflecting a strong sense of local pride, entrepreneurship, and neighborly support.

A sample of local businesses include: Osceola Cheese, Ace Lumber & Hardware, Carney’s Grocery, Dollar General, Scott’s Furniture, Bills Barber & Style, Higgins Propane and Harper’s Service Station with many other businesses on the square and in the city.

Restaurants: Sugar Foot BBQ (delicious meats), La Casita (Mexican Cuisine), Amish Trading Post (burgers & ice cream)

Medical Facilities: CMH Osceola (Healthcare Center & Walk-In Clinic), Golden Valley Memorial (Healthcare & Clinic)

Banks: St. Clair County State Bank, Hawthorne Bank.

Osceola Community Church: Past and Present

The Founding of Osceola Community Church

Osceola Community Church’s history began in the late 1970’s, when God placed a burden on Jack and Leda Kiefer’s hearts to restore the old, abandoned Presbyterian church building in Osceola. With the help of friends, neighbors, and generous contributions, the building was repaired, cleaned, and rededicated for the Lord’s service on December 18, 1977. From its very beginning, OCC was established as a non-denominational church, warmly welcoming all who wished to join. The church has never incurred debt, relying instead on God’s provision and the faithful generosity of its people.

Growth and Ministry Expansion

As the congregation grew (we have 125 regularly attend Sunday worship), the church expanded its facilities, building additions in 1979 and 1985 to provide more space for fellowship and Sunday School. Osceola Community Church has always had a strong heart for missions, offering prayer, encouragement, and financial support to workers around the world.

Leadership Through the Years

In the church’s early years, Pastor Jack led the congregation with dedication until health concerns required him to step back. In 1991, Greg Mangum—who had been involved with OCC since its beginning—was ordained and became the church’s pastor. Brother Greg faithfully shepherded the church for more than three decades, recognized for his devotion to God’s Word, his service to the community, and his care for people both inside and outside the church. He led until his passing in October 2023.

Following Pastor Greg’s passing, Karry Phillips, a Gideon and member who had been filling the pulpit during Pastor Greg’s health struggles, was called to become OCC’s third pastor in late 2023. Pastor Phillips’ inspiring leadership and vision were essential to the church during a time of transition. Pastor Karry unexpectedly passed away in December 2025, leaving a lasting positive impact on our church.

Our Enduring Mission

Through both seasons of growth and times of loss, the mission of Osceola Community Church has remained unchanged: to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to welcome all who come, and to give God the glory in all things.

What We Believe

We believe in the Old and New Testament as the correct Word of God.

Psalm 119:160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21

We believe in the one true God, revealed to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct persons, each having a distinct ministry in God's revelation to His People.

Genesis 1:1; Exodus 15:11; Psalm 83:18; Psalm 139:7-9; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30; John 15:26

We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the second person of the Triune God; the eternal Word, and Only Begotten Son; born of a virgin, thus being both man and God; without sin; that He gave His life for the sins of mankind; that He rose from the grave and ascended into heaven where He is today being our intercessor and advocate to God.

John 1:1; John 1:14; John 3:16; Matthew 1:18-25; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:6-10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-7; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1-2

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is the third person of the Trinity. That He convicts of sin, righteousness and judgement; that He regenerates, indwells, baptizes, seals children of God through Christ; that He empowers, guides, teaches, sanctifies, and fills believers.

John 3:5; John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 15:7-14; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 5:18

We believe all men are by nature and choice sinful and lost.

Genesis 1:27; Genesis 3:6; Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:19; Galatians 3:11

We believe that salvation is a free gift of God not by works but received only by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that a soul once truly saved can never be lost.

Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; John 1:12; John 3:14-15; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:1; Philippians 1:6

We believe in righteous living and Godly works, not as a means of salvation, but as its proper evidence and fruit.

Ephesians 2:10; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 2:16

We believe in the existence of Satan.

Isaiah 14:12-15; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8; Revelation 12:9-11; Revelation 20:10

We believe in the Second Coming of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 10:37; Jude 14-15; Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20:4-7

We believe in future life, bodily resurrection and eternal judgement for both the saved and unsaved.

1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 5:8-10; Luke 16:19-23; Revelation 20:11-15

We believe in the separation of church and state.

Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7

We believe in the priesthood of all believers: that Christ is our Great High Priest and through Him every born-again person has direct access into God’s presence without the need of a human priest; that the believer has the right and responsibility to personally study and interpret the Scriptures, guided by the Holy Spirit.

John 14:6; Hebrews 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:1,5 & 9

We believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ: that He alone is Head of the Body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:11-15; Galatians 1:22

We believe in the importance of the local church: that a New Testament Church is a local assembly of born-again baptized believers united to worship, pray, fellowship, teach and give testimony, and to actively engage in carrying out the Great Commission.

Acts 2:41-42; 1 Corinthians 11:2; Matthew 28:19-20

We believe in the ordinances given to the local church are two, baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41, 8:38-39; Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

“Holding fast the faithful Word….by sound doctrine”—Titus 1:9

STRENGTHS OF OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH:

BIBLE FOCUSED SCRIPTURAL PREACHING & TEACHING

SUNDAY EXPERIENCE FOCUSED ON WORSHIP AND PRAISE

FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNITY—CONGREGATION IS ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTIVE

MINISTRY OF MUSIC

CONGREGATIONAL CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY-PRAYER LISTS & BEREAVEMENT

CAN GENERATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR PROJECTS WHEN REQUIRED

FRIENDLY & WELCOMING ATTITUDE THROUGHOUT THE CHURCH

MOST CHURCH MEMBERS ARE LIKELY TO INVITE OTHERS TO ATTEND

CENTRALLY LOCATED IN OSCEOLA MISSOURI

CHURCH GOALS, NEEDS, AND CONCERNS:

CONNECTING WITH THE YOUNGER GENERATION

EXPAND YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

DESIRE TO GROW A LARGER VOLUNTEER BASE—POSSIBLY THROUGH SMALL GROUP LEADERS AND SPIRTUAL TOPICS TO ENGAGE MORE PARTICIPATION

A GREATER FOCUS ON EVANGELISM

INCORPORATE MORE CONTEMPORARY MUSIC AND PRESENTATION

SOME MEMBERS WOULD WELCOME MORE COMMUNICATION

DESIRED TRAITS, EXPERIENCES & SKILL SETS OF NEW PASTOR:

Preparation and Presentation of Sermons- Filled with scriptural wisdom and spiritual discernment with emphasis on teaching, nurturing, challenging, nourishing and holding the congregation obediently accountable to God’s Word. Using a variety of presentation styles including Expository (verse by verse), Exegetical (explaining verses as they were meant for the original audience) and Eisegesis (putting individual experiences/meanings into the verses), invoking humor, illustrations with strong biblical references.

Leadership & Management—Practical experience working with lay leadership and volunteer boards and committees. Emphasis on taking strategic initiatives and executing them operationally. Positive, encouraging problem-solver who can engage and expand leadership circles.

Congregational Spiritual Development—Ability to train and grow believers spiritually in the skill sets needed to make the church members and committees active, engaged and impactful disciples and servants of Christ.

NEW PASTOR DESIRED COMPETENCIES

Compelling Communication – Clearly and succinctly conveying information and ideas to individuals and groups: Communicating in a focused and compelling way that captures and holds others’ attention. An understanding when communication requires strict confidentiality.

Cultivating Networks - Initiating and maintaining strategic relationships with church and community members to advance “the Good News”

Energizing the Congregation—Motivating increased members effort by communicating a compelling view of our purpose in a way that helps others understand the importance of their contributions. Inspire passion and lead through vision and values.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The church board has approved a salary range of $35,000 to $45,000 based on experience. Position is expected to engage in duties 20-30 hours per week.

Church will make federal tax payment on pastors’ salary (estimate of $2,675 to $3443 annually based on salary)

Church will contribute $7,500 per year to a retirement account of pastor’s choosing.

The church has a small budget set aside for pastors’ materials, conferences, continuing education, or other church/job related expenses.

DESCRIPTION OF IDEAL CANDIDATE:

WE BELIEVE IN A GOD CALLED AND GOD PLACED MINISTRY. WE FEEL THAT GOD HAS A MAN APPOINTED AND QUALIFIED TO LEAD US AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME IN THE MINISTRY TO WHICH THE CHURCH IS CALLED. WE BELIEVE THAT SUCH A MAN WOULD BE A CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN WHOSE RECORD WOULD REVEAL MORAL QUALITIES, ACADEMIC AND LIFE TRAINING AND DOCTRINAL STABILITY THAT WOULD PREPARE HIM TO LEAD OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH. WE FURTHER BELIEVE THAT HE WOULD HAVE A PASTOR’S HEART, A LOVE FOR PEOPLE, A SOUL WINNERS COMPASSION AND A RECORD OF PASTORAL SERVICE INDICATIVE OF SPIRITUAL INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING. WE BELIEVE THAT GOD’S APPOINTED WILL BE FOUND AS WE PRAYERFULLY AND CAREFULLY SEEK THE LEADERSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN CALLING HIS CHOSEN PASTOR FOR OUR CHURCH. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL BE PRAYERFULLY SEEKING THAT SAME CALLING FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Timeline

Records Meeting: Late March-Early April

In-person Interview: Mid-April

Preaching/Social Gatherings: Late April-Early May

Target Start Date/Location: June

All cover letters and resumes should include at least three references and submitted using the form below.

Questions?

Selection Committee Chairman — Roger B. Hoyt 417-549-0428

Board President — Mike Burton 417-877-6200

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Osceola Community Church

345 2nd Street • Osceola, MO 64776

Sunday Worship – 11:00 AM / 5 PM | Wednesday Bible Study – 7:00 PM

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