Associate Pastor - Kalona Church (Kalona, IA)

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About The Position

Kalona Mennonite Church (https://kalonamennonitechurch.com) is seeking a full-time Associate Pastor. Kalona Mennonite Church is in Kalona, Iowa, a small town with a population of 2,800, located just 20 minutes south of Iowa City. The church was founded in 1958, as a church plant from East Union Mennonite. The average Sunday attendance hovers around 190, with about half of those high school age and younger. There are multiple youth programs, including elementary, middle and high school youth groups, and a Bible Memory program. This is a family-oriented congregation with a large summer vacation Bible school program. We are very much involved with the local retirement community, Pleasantview, where several of our members reside. We also heavily support Hillcrest Academy, a local private Christian school. Sunday services are in person and streamed online at 9:30 AM, with Sunday school for all ages at 10:45 am. Potlucks are not uncommon. We are prayerfully searching for a pastor who supports our vision and mission statements: The vision of Kalona Mennonite Church is that we would 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. The mission of Kalona Mennonite Church is to fulfill the Great Commission, as stated in Matthew 28:19-20, leading people to Christ, discipling them in the faith, equipping them to witness, and sending them out to serve.

Requirements

Deeply rooted and firmly grounded in the biblical story and text
Promote 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

Nice To Haves

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
Ability to remain focused on the vision of Kalona Mennonite Church
Post-secondary education in ministry/theology preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Preach approximately 50% of the time
Assist the lead pastor in planning worship themes and observation of ordinances
Assist the lead pastor in planning and conducting special services
Baptisms, commissionings, dedications, weddings, funerals, etc.
Work in collaboration with the lead pastor to provide engagement opportunities for all ages and stages in the congregation.
Work as a team with the lead pastor and the Elders
Be a member of the Board of Elders
Meet regularly with Elders to discuss pastoral and spiritual concerns of the congregation
Give support, training, or resources to lay leadership
Work effectively with the lead pastor, church staff, Elders, and other volunteers
Spend adequate amounts of time in the church office as determined by the lead pastor and the Elders
Attend Church Council meetings
Share responsibilities with the lead pastor to serve on other church committees as required