One Pastor, Two Churches First Christian Church Woodbine & Moorhead Christian Church; Iowa

THE BIG PICTURE

The opportunity is to work in a Yoked congregation (). This is congregational ministry in a rural setting. We are two separate congregations that hold and maintain their individual governing councils and Mission statements. The congregations have open and honest conversations and share joint worship at least once per year. We share the expenses and the ministry of the serving pastor.

Each congregation expects this minister to offer pastoral practices and compassion that includes, but is not limited to, hospital and home visits, counseling of individuals as requested, conducting marriages, baptisms, and funeral services. We anticipate this individual will work with the existing governance council to identify resources and programs of community‑of‑faith education, including leading worship services, communicating with others in the preparation of the worship opportunity, participating in community activities, and being involved in ministerial associations and regional events as offered by the Disciples of Christ Christian Church.

We have previously been led by seminary‑ordained and lay‑commissioned leaders.

One Pastor, Two Churches – First Christian Church Woodbine & Moorhead Christian Church (Iowa). We seek a candidate who is driven by the Holy Spirit and who will offer meaningful, scripture‑based lessons and leadership. Standing with the Disciples of Christ Christian Church is not required for consideration or to begin employment; we ask that the candidate have standing or be willing to create and maintain standing with the Upper Midwest Region during their ministry.

The candidate must attend and actively participate in monthly council meetings and any committee as defined in our by‑laws and operating standards, and also participate in community faith‑based activities such as the Local Ministerial Association, regional cluster groups and regional activities offered by the Upper Midwest region of the Disciples of Christ Christian Church.

We have been fortunate enough to have pastors form both lay‑commissioned and seminary/ordained leaders. Our yoke is a strong yoke, and our joint ministries have been together since 1989. Our yoke is governed by a joint ministry council composed of seven members—four from the Woodbine congregation and three from Moorhead. We are looking for an individual who will bring passion, commitment, and a heart for community ministry.

Woodbine is a friendly and welcoming community located just enough from Omaha, Nebraska to feel safe and secure (50 miles), yet close enough to have health care options. The short drive into the metro also provides a wide variety of shopping and entertainment options. Woodbine is known for both industrial and agricultural services, offering multiple industrial job opportunities for production workers and highly trained professionals.

Our recent census showed growth of more than 200 residents since the last census. The school system is regarded as one of the independent community schools. We host K‑12 in one building and are recognized across the state as competitive in multiple sporting events.

Moorhead is a lovely small rural community found in the beautiful Loess Hills of Northeastern Iowa. Our town is holding its own in the light of decline of the age of the community and the lack of production facilities. We are a close commute to Sioux City or Omaha. We are proud of our heritage and offer easy access to the local Loess Hills and all the cultural offerings.

• Base salary range: $40,000–$49,999.
• Cash salary (including social security offset), housing (including utilities, furnishings, insurance, etc.) in the selected range.
• Housing provided in the form of a parsonage adjacent to the church building. Fair rental value of $700.00 per month while occupying the parsonage.
• Support through the Pension Plan, negotiable during discussions.
• Payment for mileage related to ministerial services at the current government rate or as negotiated. A minimum of 100 miles per month is expected and required, with the commute between congregations approximately 20 + miles in each direction.

Please review this job description. Along with your résumé, please answer the following questions:

1. Why do you believe you might be a good fit as the Pastor at these two churches?

2. Describe your experiences in ministry and how you may be qualified to serve as the Pastor of these two churches.

3. In just a few sentences, please give a summary of your theology and how that aligns with the doctrine of these two churches.

Send your résumé, the answers to these questions, and a link to at least one online sermon to Jason@No‑.