AWAB Job Connection

Job 094
First Baptist Church Iowa City Seeks Pastor

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

First Baptist Church of Iowa City, an open and inclusive community of faith, seeks to call a full-time pastor to lead our small but vibrant church family in the path God has set for us.

QUALIFICATIONS

A degree from an accredited seminary is required (M.Div. preferred). A minimum of a year’s experience as pastor of a congregation is valued. Because our Sunday morning worship service is the centerpiece of our congregational life, our new pastor should be particularly gifted at preaching and teaching the Word of God, to encourage and sustain all who join us in worship. In addition, our new pastor should possess: gifts for ministering and counseling individuals and groups; talents for visualizing and initiating new ministries; and administrative abilities to organize and supervise a small part-time staff and dedicated volunteers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The pastor’s primary responsibilities include: preparing compelling weekly sermons, planning a Sunday worship service in coordination with the organist/choir director, counseling and visiting members and nonmembers, managing daily operations, and meeting with church committees.

ABOUT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF IOWA CITY

Founded in 1841 and affiliated with American Baptist Churches USA, First Baptist Church of Iowa City (www.fbciowacity.org) maintains a long tradition of Christian service to our community and our world. We are a congregation marked by diversity across many spectra: ethnic, political, economic, and educational. This diversity reveals our dedication to Christian love, and also challenges our leaders to sustain a common vision. Our congregation is known for outstanding sermons and music, and we follow a liturgical worship style. We are open to adapting our style of worship and to calling a man or woman who may not be ordained in the ABC-USA.

Home to 67,000 residents and the University of Iowa (www.uiowa.edu), Iowa City (www.iowa-city.com) is consistently named one of the best places to live in the United States with access to high quality academics, the arts, healthcare, and athletics events. Our neo-gothic church building is within walking distance to both campus and downtown.

TO APPLY

Applicants should forward the following: a cover letter indicating interest in leading our church; a resume; a brief vision statement elaborating your philosophy for small, growing churches; and a manuscript of a sermon exemplifying your understanding of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. (Finalists will be asked for a recorded service/sermon.) Please mail these to: Pastor Search Committee, First Baptist Church of Iowa City, 500 North Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52245. Review of applications begins immediately, and continues until the position is filled. Direct questions to committee chair F. Larry Shostrom at larry-shostrom@iowa.edu or phone the church office at 319-338-7995.

7/6/2010