CALVIN CRC
PASTOR
ABOUT THE CHURCH
Calvin Christian Reformed Church, an active, devoted, and generous congregation, has been serving Rock Valley and beyond for nearly 75 years. During that time, it has been served by eight pastors, including Rev. Gideon Wamal, who recently retired after a tenure of 18 years. The congregation currently enjoys the interim presence, preaching, and guidance of Pastor Doug De Groot. It looks forward to its next pastor, a man of God who will walk alongside them, encourage them, and guide them into a new season of ministry, one characterized by spiritual and numerical growth, as well as greater impact for the Kingdom of God.
The ministry of the church is anchored in its Sunday services, which provide regular opportunities for worship, biblical instruction, service, and fellowship. That weekly practice is supplemented by ministries that provide opportunities for additional biblical instruction, service, and fellowship. The ministries are led by a dedicated group of volunteers and supported by a spacious, functional, and accessible facility.
Pastor
Position
Calvin Christian Reformed Church
Church
Rock Valley, IA
Location
Denomination
130(am) & 45(pm) in-person
Attendance
$225,000
Annual Budget
Website
ABOUT THE LOCATION
It has been just over one year (June 2024) since floodwaters ravaged homes, businesses, churches, and schools in Rock Valley, Iowa. The clean-up began immediately, and there is still work that needs to be done, but Rock Valley remains a vibrant, family-friendly, and forward-thinking rural community of 4,000 residents in northwest Iowa.
Rooted in a rich agricultural history, the town boasts a robust manufacturing community while radiating a blue- collar vibe. Residents enjoy well-maintained parks, quality healthcare, and a full range of shopping and professional services. They also enjoy the benefits of the Christian education provided by Rock Valley Christian School, Western Christian High School, and Dordt University.
Despite its small-town charm, Rock Valley is far from isolated. Located within an hour’s drive of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Sioux City, Iowa, residents enjoy access to the
amenities of larger cities, including entertainment, shopping, dining, cultural events, and regional airports. The town is also evolving, with a growing Hispanic population. This growing diversity, along with the town’s forward-thinking spirit and strong local economy, ensures that Rock Valley remains not only a great place to live but also a thriving community.
ROCK VALLEY, IA
ABOUT THE ROLE
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The Pastor will be:
• Devoted to the Lord and able to give testimony to his love for the Lord and call to pastoral ministry as a general practitioner.
• Dependent on the Word and Spirit and, thereby, a student of God’s Word.
• Developing the fruit of the Spirit, which enables him to create and sustain positive relationships with people in both the church and community.
• Dedicated to the local church as the hope of the world.
• An approachable, flexible, and emotionally healthy person
• Enjoy living in a small town, rural Northwest Iowa. -
The Pastor will be:
• An effective communicator, able to craft and deliver biblical sermons that connect with new and maturing Christians.
• An encouraging coach with experience casting vision, building consensus, developing strategic initiatives, and managing change.
• A wise liturgist who designs and leads worship services characterized by joy, relevance, and authenticity.
• A devoted shepherd whose love for the congregation and desire for its spiritual well-being prompt him to provide spiritual direction and pastoral care to those in need. -
The Pastor will:
• Embrace the lifestyle of being a solo pastor, a decision that requires availability, flexibility, and discipline.
• Develop and execute a plan for spiritual and professional growth.
• Support Christian day-school education.
• Meet or exceed the requirements for ordination as a Minister of the Word & Sacrament in the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). Consequently, he will be ordained or be ordainable as such, though ordained individuals from other historically Reformed denominations will be considered. -
• Preaching/Teaching: The Pastor will thoughtfully and prayerfully prepare and deliver biblically based and relevant sermons that equip listeners with an understanding of biblical truths in a clear and discerning way. The Pastor will also have opportunities to administer the sacraments and to teach in a variety of settings.
• Worship/Liturgist: The Pastor will plan and lead both Sunday services (as well as services on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Good Friday). He will be supported by a Worship Coordinator.
• Spiritual Direction/Pastoral Care: The Pastor will provide timely spiritual direction and pastoral care for those seeking baptism, profession of faith, church membership, marriage, healing, and encouragement, as well as for those suffering the loss of love.
• Leadership/Management: The Pastor will serve as the spiritual and organizational leader of the congregation, partnering with the Council as they guide the congregation into a new season of ministry.
• Public Presence/Community Engagement: The Pastor will represent the congregation in the community and denomination, as well as engage in community-wide events in Rock Valley.
FIVE C’S OF A GREAT FIT
Be able to give testimony to his love for the Lord, the local church, and his call to ministry.
Be able to create and sustain encouraging relationships with people in both the church and community.
CHARACTER
Called to serve the local church as a Solo Pastor.
Enjoy serving a multi-generational congregation in the Reformed tradition.
CALLING
An effective communicator.
An encouraging coach.
A devoted shepherd.
COMPETENCIES
Thrive living in small rural community in Northwest Iowa.
Enjoy serving a congregation affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America.
CULTURE
Some experience serving Christ and His Church.
Meet or exceed the requirements for ordination as a Minister of the Word & Sacrament in the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). Consequently, he will be ordained or be ordainable as such, though ordained individuals from other historically Reformed denominations will be considered.