Associate Pastor - Kalona Church; Kalona, IA

Overview

Kalona Mennonite Church () is seeking a full‑time Associate Pastor.

Kalona Mennonite Church is located in Kalona, Iowa, a small town of 2,800 residents just 20 minutes south of Iowa City. Founded in 1958 as a plant from East Union Mennonite, the average Sunday attendance is around 190, with about half of those being high‑school age or younger. The church offers a range of youth programs, including elementary, middle, and high‑school youth groups, plus a Bible Memory program.

It is family oriented and hosts a large summer vacation Bible school program. The congregation actively supports the local retirement community at Pleasantview, where several members reside, and Hillcrest Academy, a private Christian school. Sunday services are held in person and streamed online at 9:30 AM, with Sunday school for all ages at 10:45 AM. Potlucks are an occasional tradition.

Vision: We strive to be a life‑giving church, presenting the life‑changing message of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to the people of the Kalona area and the world, challenging them to accept Christ, worship Him, and serve Him.

Mission: To fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19‑20) by leading people to Christ, discipling them in the faith, equipping them to witness, and sending them out to serve.

• Deeply rooted and firmly grounded in the biblical story and text
• Commitment to Anabaptist theology
• Hold to the Mennonite Confession of Faith 1995
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal spiritual discipline and growth
• Willingness to seek credentialing/ordination through the EVANA Network

• Preach approximately 50 % of the time
• Assist the lead pastor in planning worship themes and observing ordinances
• Assist the lead pastor in planning and conducting special services (baptisms, commissionings, dedications, weddings, funerals, etc.)
• Collaborate with the lead pastor to provide engagement opportunities for all ages and stages of the congregation
• Work as a team with the lead pastor and the Elders (including board membership and regular meetings)
• Provide support, training, or resources to lay leadership
• Compensation based on the Everence Financial Pastoral Salary Guidelines, plus a comprehensive benefits package

• Work effectively with the lead pastor, church staff, Elders, and volunteers
• Spend adequate time in the church office as determined by the lead pastor and the Elders
• Attend Church Council meetings
• Share responsibilities with the lead pastor on other church committees as required

• Involved in new membership classes
• Available for Bible studies, retreats, Bible school, conventions, service or mission trips, and social activities
• Be a resource for the music program
• Provide a positive approach to congregation interactions, communications, and decision‑making
• Remain focused on the vision of Kalona Mennonite Church
• Post‑secondary education in ministry/theology preferred but not required

• Area pastor cluster meetings
• Mid‑Prairie Council of Churches
• Evana Network.org

• Report to the lead pastor
• Accountable to the congregation through the Elders

Compensation follows the Everence Financial Pastoral Salary Guidelines and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Please review this job description and the church website. Together with your resume, answer the following questions:

• Why do you believe you might be a good fit as the Associate Pastor at Kalona Mennonite Church?
• Describe your experiences in ministry and how you may be qualified to serve in this role.
• In a few sentences, summarize your theology and how it aligns with the doctrine of Kalona Mennonite Church.

Send your resume, answers to the above questions, and a link to at least one online sermon to