Senior Pastor

Are you called to lead, inspire, and shepherd a vibrant rural agricultural community of faith? We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Pastor to guide our congregation in spiritual growth, biblical teaching and meaningful outreach.

About the role:

·      Deliver engaging, scripture-based sermons

·      Provide pastoral care, counseling and support

·      Foster a welcoming church environment

·      Engage with the local community through outreach and service

Who we’re looking for

·      Strong grounding in biblical teaching and theology

·      Excellent communication and leadership skills

·      A heart for people and community building

·      Previous ministry or pastoral experience preferred but not required

What we offer:

·      Supportive and active congregation

·      Opportunities to grow and develop

·      Housing provided

Bethany E&R Church was formed when two neighboring churches merged in the early 1900’s.   It’s strong presence in the small, rural, agriculture community has been evident ever since. Our beautiful building was built in 1957 after the rafters were creaking from the overflowing congregation; an educational unit was added in 1969; a parsonage was built in 1960. All of these were constructed by the labor of men and women of the Church. 

Our church is probably considered a small church, but we have grown in the past couple of years. Membership is around 120. Average Sunday attendance is around 75-100. Church activities happen throughout the year.  Missions has always been important to Bethany E&R. We always host a Mission Fest in September and the past two years, we hosted a much larger Mission Fest/Harvest Fest that covered our church parking lot with outdoor stage and Christian band and included a guest panel where the speakers shared their testimonies. Interesting speakers, free food, live music, children’s activities such as pony rides, bounce house and games, brought people from all over the surrounding area. Hay rack rides shuttled guests from parking areas to the church parking lot. Our community grew from 120 to well over 500-600 for the days.   

Thanksgiving Sunday has many of the church members involved in the service that we call “Hanging of the Greens”.   Church members take part in the Sunday morning service that has readings and Christmas music, all while they are decorating our church for Christmas. 

Our “Women in Church” are important to the operations of the church. Some of the things they take care of are the funeral serving groups, hosting receptions for confirmands, high school graduates, donating to area needy, pot luck meals, and supporting meal trains for anyone who might need help.   Of course, teaching Sunday School and Bible School are led by both women and men of the church.   Each spring, WIC hosts “Café’ Latte” and invite all area women. We have an “inspirational, Christian, feel good” speaker to top off the morning of beautiful spring décor and delicious brunch. There is no charge to the guests because the Bethany E&R Women feel it’s their Mission to area ladies.  

Bethany has Lenten services every week and the men of the church host a pancake breakfast every Wednesday through Lent season for all area men.    Of course, there are Wednesday evening services and Good Friday services.  These are just some of the activities that happen at Bethany E&R Church. 

Church members are also active in the community with different events such as a huge “Chicken BBQ” that has been going on for over 54 years, Santa Claus Day, Easter Egg hunt, Library board, elevator board, community clean-up, etc.  Ledyard is a welcoming community and we would hope our pastor would enjoy meeting and interacting with community members. 

 If you feel called to serve and lead with faith, humility, and purpose, we would love to hear from you. Please email resume and request application to bethanyer.50556@gmail.com. Questions can be directed to Shannon Krantz, Search Committee member (515) 320-0613.

Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church, PO Box 46, 310 Division St., Ledyard, IA 50556