PARKERSBURG CRC

PASTOR

ABOUT THE CHURCH

Nestled in the lovely community of Parkersburg, IA, you will find a congregation that, since 1891, has been devoted to “the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Plus, with a rich history of faith and community engagement, it has been a beacon of hope in the community, enjoying the “favor of all the people” {Acts 2:47).

Sunday morning worship is the main event of this congregation. Traditional, pastor-led services feature sound biblical teaching with the hope of nurturing a lifelong love for God’s Word. The congregation is invited to pray and praise the Lord through singing the great hymns of the faith. Congregational singing is supported by excellent musicians. The modern handicapped-accessible facility provides a welcoming environment for all who attend. After the service, the congregation gathers for engaging Sunday School and Catechism programs, fellowship over coffee, as well as monthly meals, which strengthen their fellowship as believers. Service opportunities take place throughout the year, such as Operation Christmas Child and the Aplington-Parkersburg Food Pantry. Ecumenical gatherings, like the annual community-wide Vacation Bible School, enrich the people of Parkersburg and cultivate healthy relationships between fellow Christians. The church newsletter keeps everyone informed and connected.

The congregation faces challenges. While passionate about studying and teaching the Word of God, weekly worship service attendance has been declining, and the congregation has been aging. The congregation prays that the Lord will provide a shepherd to help them face these challenges and guide them to incremental growth, both spiritually and numerically.

Pastor

Position

Parkersburg Christian Reformed Church

Church

Parkersburg, IA

Location

47 in-person

Attendance

Website

Christian Reformed Church

Denomination

Socials

FINANCES

Budget: $120,000

RECENT PASTORS

Rev. Frank Pott

Rev. Russell Boersma

2001-2007

2008-2024

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Just twenty minutes west of Cedar Falls, Iowa, you will find a historic community of over 2,000 residents named “Parkersburg” in honor of Pascal P. Parker, an 1860s settler and the town's first postmaster. Although not the county seat, Parkersburg is the highest-populated city in Butler County, having enjoyed over 10% growth in the last ten years.

Known for its resilient spirit, the community withstood a devastating EF-5 tornado in May 2008 and has since rebuilt itself as a model of unity, hope, and renewal—qualities a faithful pastor would truly appreciate. The city is served by the Aplington–Parkersburg Community School District, as well as excellent schools of higher education, such as the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. In addition, Timothy Christian School (K-8), located in Wellsburg, serves the region. Residents benefit from the services of excellent medical, dental, eye care, and physical therapy clinics, and also enjoy the convenience of a local pharmacy. Several hospitals are but a few miles away in neighboring communities. 

Parkersburg is enhanced by many recreational and family-oriented amenities, including two golf courses and a swimming pool. It is blessed by an active ministerial association that fosters a cooperative spirit between the churches. The city also features a historic Victorian gem, the Parkersburg Historical Home (also called the Charles Wolf House), built in 1895 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; this elegant mansion now serves as a museum and community center, offering a peaceful place for reflection or connecting with local history.

P A R K E R S B U R G, I A

ABOUT THE ROLE

Parkersburg CRC awaits the arrival of a dedicated pastor to lead their multigenerational congregation into the next chapter of their journey as the bride and body of Christ in Parkersburg. Rooted in tradition and poised for growth, the church envisions a pastor with a deep commitment to Jesus Christ, a heart for serving people of all ages and backgrounds, and an appetite for developing strategic initiatives for effective ministry.

  • 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.

    • Exemplify qualities of godly character, including integrity, humility, compassion, and servant leadership, as outlined in the biblical qualifications for church leaders.

    • Be a student of God’s Word.

    • Be dedicated to the local church as the hope of the world.

    • Enjoy living in a small-town, agricultural-centered community in rural Iowa. 

    • Meet or exceed the requirements for ordination as a Commissioned Pastor or 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.

  • The Pastor will:

    • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate biblical truths clearly and effectively.

    • Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport, foster relationships, and provide pastoral care to all generations of the congregation.

    Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with church staff and volunteers, fostering teamwork, unity, and a shared sense of mission and purpose within the congregation. In addition, serve as a representative for the church with the Parkersburg ministerial association.

    • Preaching & Teaching: Prepare and deliver biblically-based sermons that inspire, challenge, and encourage the congregation to grow in their faith and relationship with God.

    • Worship Leadership: Lead worship services, guiding the congregation in prayer, praise, and participation in worship experiences that glorify God and edify the body of believers.

    • Pastoral Care: Provide compassionate pastoral care and counseling to individuals and families within the congregation, offering support, guidance, and spiritual direction in times of joy, sorrow, and need.

    • Sacramental Ministry: Administer sacraments such as baptism and communion in accordance with the church’s beliefs and practices, facilitating opportunities for spiritual renewal and transformation through these sacred acts.

    • Community Engagement: Engage with the local community, building relationships, serving others, and sharing the love of Christ through acts of compassion, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with other churches and organizations.

    • Leadership & Administration: Provide leadership and oversight for the church’s ministries, programs, and activities, working collaboratively with church staff and volunteers to fulfill the mission and vision of the congregation.

    • Discipleship & Education: Equip and empower believers for ministry through discipleship initiatives, including teaching of the Heidelberg Catechism to high school youth, available as a participant in Vacation Bible School.

FIVE C’S OF A GREAT FIT

  • Devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

  • Known for integrity, humility, compassion, and servant leadership.

CHARACTER

  • Called and equipped to serve a local church in a rural setting as a Solo Pastor.

  • Called and equipped to nurture ecumenical relationships between Christian congregations.

CALLING

  • An effective verbal communicator.

  • A compassionate pastor.

  • A wise collaborative leader.

COMPETENCIES

  • Enjoy living in a small town in rural Iowa.

  • Comfortable being known to everyone in town.

CULTURE

  • Meet or exceed the requirements for ordination as a Commissioned Pastor or a Minister of the Word & Sacrament in the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA).

CREDENTIALS

APPLY HERE