Senior Pastor

Westminster Theological Seminary; Ottumwa (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic Presbyterian church in Ottumwa, IA, is seeking a Senior Pastor to provide spiritual leadership and nurture the congregation. The role includes preaching, teaching, and overseeing various church activities. The ideal candidate should have a Master of Divinity, pastoral experience, and a strong commitment to the community. Join this vibrant church in a city that balances quality of life with community values.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of pastoral experience.
• Ordained pastor with a passion for sharing God’s Word.
• Demonstrates integrity, compassion, and humility in leadership.

Responsibilities

• Plan sermon series and administer Sacraments.
• Prepare topics for Bible Study and Sunday School.
• Oversee Sunday Morning Worship and special services.
• Directly involve in pastoral care and visitations.
• Attend Presbytery, Session, and Staff meetings regularly.

Skills

Strong understanding of Scripture and Presbyterian theology

Effective preaching, teaching, and pastoral care skills

Leadership and organizational abilities

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to engage and nurture community

Education

Master of Divinity; Ordination in PC (USA) or equivalent

Job description

Established in 1853, the First Presbyterian Church of Ottumwa is a historic congregation devoted to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the community and the world. The church occupies a well-maintained downtown building and features traditional worship, enriching its services with classic hymns accompanied by a beautiful organ. Its mission is to nurture spiritual growth and service through consistent emphasis on prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. All are welcome to join in glorifying God and growing in faith together.

About the Senior Pastor

First Presbyterian Church of Ottumwa, IA, founded in 1853, is seeking an ordained pastor to provide spiritual guidance, nurture the congregation, and work with the Session to share the gospel locally and globally. The pastor will guide staff and church members in their Christian journeys, lead weekly staff meetings, and oversee monthly Committee/Commission meetings as needed.

The Senior Pastor’s responsibilities include:

• PREACHING: Plan sermon series/themes with the research necessary. This includes administering the Sacraments when appropriate.
• TEACHING: Prepare, plan, and carry out topics for Bible Study, Sunday School, Confirmation, Youth Group, VBS, New Members, etc., as appropriate.
• WORSHIP: Plan and oversee all aspects of Sunday Morning Worship and special services such as Easter, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, etc.
• STAFF: Oversee all staff, including the church secretary, custodian, music staff, and work with others such as the Clerk of Session, Financial Secretary, Accountant, Christian Education, etc., as needed. These leaders may include paid or volunteer staff.
• COUNSELING: Provide time to meet with those when needed. This may include members, non-members, and seekers.
• VISITATION: Visit and extend pastoral care to congregational members and others at the church, in their homes, facilities, hospitals, cafes, etc.
• WEDDINGS/FUNERALS: Provide any pre-counseling and/or planning with families to prepare for each function. Work with appropriate staff, such as the church secretary for bulletins, the wedding planner, etc., as necessary.
• CORRESPONDENCE: Respond to all forms of correspondence, i.e., phone, messages, in person, email, etc. in a timely manner.
• MEETING: Attend Presbytery, Session, and Staff meetings on a regular basis, allowing for preparation and travel time. Other meetings, as deemed appropriate, may include the Disciples Group, Wednesday evening meals/meetings, and the various Committee/ Commission meetings.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor:

Education and Experience

• Master of Divinity; Ordination in PC (USA) or its equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years of pastoral experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of Scripture and Presbyterian theology.
• Effective preaching, teaching, and pastoral care skills.
• Leadership and organizational abilities to guide staff, committees, and programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage and nurture both the congregation and the broader community.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Ordained pastor with a passion for sharing God’s Word.
• Demonstrates integrity, compassion, and humility in leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships within the church and community.
• Committed to spiritual growth and guiding others in their Christian journey.

What it’s like to live in Ottumwa, IA

Located about an hour’s drive from both Des Moines and Iowa City, Ottumwa is a small, work-oriented city with a strong blue-collar community. The city’s key employers include industrial giants like John Deere and JBS, a major meatpacking facility. Despite its industrial base, Ottumwa offers a high quality of life with a reasonable cost of living and a lack of traffic congestion. Ottumwa is home to Indian Hills Community College, which is recognized for its robust nursing program. For recreation, residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including well-maintained parks and extensive walking trails. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, featuring local art and a symphony.