Position: Pastor
Church: Calvin Christian Reformed Church
Location: Rock Valley, IA
Website: https://calvincrcrv.org/
ABOUT THE CHURCH
Calvin Christian Reformed Church, an active, devoted, and generous congregation, has been serving Rock Valley and beyond for nearly 75 years. During that time, it has been served by eight pastors, including Rev. Gideon Wamal, who recently retired after a tenure of 18 years. The congregation currently enjoys the interim presence, preaching, and guidance of Pastor Doug De Groot. It looks forward to its next pastor, a man of God who will walk alongside them, encourage them, and guide them into a new season of ministry, one characterized by spiritual and numerical growth, as well as greater impact for the Kingdom of God.
The ministry of the church is anchored in its Sunday services, which provide regular opportunities for worship, biblical instruction, service, and fellowship. That weekly practice is supplemented by ministries that provide opportunities for additional biblical instruction, service, and fellowship. The ministries are led by a dedicated group of volunteers and supported by a spacious, functional, and accessible facility.
ABOUT THE ROLE
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 a 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 prompt 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 that 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.
To apply, please fill out the fields on the next page and attach your resume. Your completed application will be reviewed in a timely manner.
Skills Required
- Ordained or ordainable as Minister of the Word & Sacrament in the CRCNA (ordained from other historically Reformed denominations considered)
- Ability to prepare and deliver clear, biblically based sermons that connect with new and maturing Christians
- Proven pastoral care and spiritual direction skills for baptisms, professions of faith, marriages, funerals, and counseling
- Experience leading and planning worship services and liturgy with joy, relevance, and authenticity
- Leadership skills in casting vision, building consensus, developing strategic initiatives, and managing change
- Embrace being a solo pastor with availability, flexibility, and discipline
- Dependence on Scripture and the Spirit; ongoing commitment to study and spiritual growth
- Interpersonal maturity: approachable, emotionally healthy, and able to sustain positive relationships
- Willingness to live in and engage with a small rural community in Northwest Iowa (Rock Valley)
- Support for Christian day-school education
What We Do
Rukes Group is a ministry-focused staffing and consulting firm that helps churches and nonprofits find leaders aligned with their mission, team, and organizational culture. Its Precise Assessment Process customizes searches, evaluates candidates, and identifies “Culture Carriers” for ministry roles. The company also provides specialized consulting in structure, strategy, and mission, while supporting candidates in pursuing their next ministry opportunity with confidence.
