Job Description

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS—The Pastor will:

  • 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 small-town, rural Northwest Iowa.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES—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.

EXPECTATIONS – The Pastor will:

  • Embrace the lifestyle of being a solo pastor, a decision that requires availability, flexibility and discipline.
  • Develop and execute a plan for spiritual and professional growth.
  • Support Christian day-school education.
  • 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.

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 also have opportunities to administer the sacraments and to teach in a variety of settings.
  • Worship/Liturgist: The Pastor will plan and lead both Sunday services (as well as services on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Good Friday). 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.

About Calvin CRC

It has been just over one year (June 2024) since floodwaters ravaged homes, businesses, churches, and schools in Rock Valley, Iowa. The clean-up began immediately and there is still work that needs to be done, but Rock Valley remains a vibrant family-friendly and forward-thinking rural community of 4,000 residents in northwest Iowa.

Rooted in a rich agricultural history, the town boasts a robust manufacturing community while radiating a blue-collar vibe. Residents enjoy well-maintained parks, quality healthcare, and a full range of shopping and professional services. They also enjoy benefits from the Christian day-school educations provided by Rock Valley Christian School, Western Christian High School, and Dordt Uivrersity.


Despite its small-town charm, Rock Valley is far from isolated. Located within an hour’s drive of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Sioux City, Iowa, residents enjoy access to the amenities of larger cities, including entertainment, shopping, dining, cultural events, and regional airports. The town is also evolving, with a growing Hispanic population now making up nearly 30% of its demographic. This growing diversity, along with the town’s forward-thinking spirit and strong local economy, ensures that Rock Valley remains not only a great place to live but also a thriving community.

Apply Now
Experience Required
1-5 years
Type
Full-time
Education Required
Bachelor's Degree
Date Posted
3 days ago
Location
Rock Valley, Iowa
Denomination
Reformed
Church Size
100-200 people