Pastor - California UCC & Salem UCC; California, MO

California, United States | Posted on 06/09/2026

Industry: Nonprofit Charitable Organizations
City:
California
State/Province:
Missouri
Country:
United States

Prayerfully seeking a Pastor who will lead us with humility, love, and a deep commitment to God’s Word. We are a close‑knit congregation in rural central Missouri, rooted in the Evangelical tradition of the Church of Christ. Our worship is traditional; our people are genuine, and we desire to continue growing together in Christ while welcoming new faces into our church family.

Average attendance is 150 in California and 30 in Salem.

• Deliver biblically grounded, practical, and inspiring sermons following the Revised Common Lectionary.
• Cultivate authentic relationships across generations.
• Address the spiritual needs of youth and young families, encouraging their participation in church life.
• Guide congregations in spiritual development and community outreach.
• Provide ministerial services to the sick, home‑bound, and those in long‑term care. Provide spiritual care to members with special needs such as family problems, grief, etc.
• Conduct and officiate weddings, funeral services, infant and adult baptisms, and communion.
• Attend convenient organizations such as Men’s Brotherhood, Prayer Cell, and Women’s Guild.
• Provide support to Sunday School and other Christian education programs; be a resource at monthly meetings of teachers and officers as needed.

• Strong personal faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
• Previous experience in preaching and pastoral ministry preferred.
• Seminary degree preferred; other pastoral or biblical training acceptable.
• Approachable, relational, and community‑minded with ability to connect with diverse groups.

• 100‑year‑old sanctuary, educational wing with classrooms and office spaces, gymnasium, and modern kitchen facilities.
• Active Senior and Youth Choir, Bell Choir, Middle & High School youth groups, and Sunday School classes for all ages.
• Renovation of basement in 2020, fellowship hall completed in 2017, shelter house/picnic area completed in 1990.
• Annual events include Ice Cream Social and Shrimp Supper.
• Participation in local Ministerial Alliance, nursing home services, and ecumenical community worship services.
• Governance by a consistory elected by the congregation, with committees handling administrative responsibilities. Full‑time office manager present.

Competitive salary within $67,000 - $72,000, paid health insurance, ten percent contribution to a retirement plan, and three weeks of annual vacation. Additionally, a warm, supportive small‑town environment and proximity to the state capitol in Jefferson City and Columbia.

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of our members and the broader community. Lead with vision, compassion, and a servant’s heart in a close‑knit rural setting.