Position: Lead Pastor

Church: Trinity Christian Reformed Church

Location: Rock Valley, IA

Website: trinitycrc

See full profile of the position, church, and area HERE.

ABOUT THE CHURCH

Trinity Christian Reformed Church is a vibrant, Christ-centered community shaped by God’s love and a passion for service. Believing that full devotion to Christ is the calling of every believer, Trinity offers age-appropriate discipleship opportunities for spiritual growth and leadership development. Worship is intergenerational and rooted in Scripture, the Sacraments, and prayer, encouraging members to honor God in every area of life— work, leisure, home, and school. The church embraces a mission to bring God’s transforming presence to the community, region, and world through compassionate ministries, local outreach, church planting, and global missions. Consequently, church members volunteer with many para-church ministries in the community.

Trinity is committed to building an authentic, caring community where all people matter and can find support on their spiritual journey. A recent congregation-wide visioning process highlighted a shared desire for thoughtful growth while holding fast to core values. Members expressed interest in deeper spiritual development, more intentional outreach, and stronger intergenerational fellowship. There is also a call for more transparent leadership, updated worship practices, and improved communication. A particular focus is engaging and retaining younger generations while remaining faithful to biblical principles.

ABOUT THE ROLE

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS—The Lead Pastor will:

• Be able to give testimony to his love for the Lord and call to pastoral ministry.
• Be an authentic, compassionate, and growing follower of Jesus Christ who is passionate about the mission of the local church to make fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
• Love people and be able to create and sustain positive relationships with them.
• Thrive living in small rural community in Northwest Iowa.
• Be an industrious self-starter and entrepreneurial servant leader.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES—The Lead Pastor will:

• Be a gifted communicator, able to craft and deliver biblical and relevant sermons that effectively speak to both new and maturing Christians.
• Be a resilient organizational leader with experience building teams, equipping leaders, and guiding a congregation into a new season of ministry, one that includes a clear and compelling vision that energizes the congregation for mission.
• Be a loving pastor who empathetically cares for people during trials and transitions in life with the compassion of Christ.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Preaching—the Lead Pastor is responsible for preaching and will do so in a manner that is both biblical and relevant.
• Corporate Worship—the Lead Pastor is responsible for planning and orchestrating worship services which are relevant and faithful to Scripture. This responsibility is shared with members of the pastoral staff.
• Leadership—the Lead Pastor will guide and empower the Council and Staff in such a way that unifies the congregation around a shared vision for the future.
• Pastoral Care—the Lead Pastor will assure timely pastoral care for those seeking baptism, marriage, healing, encouragement, and spiritual direction.
• Public Presence—the Lead Pastor will have the privilege of representing Trinity in the community and denomination.

EXPECTATIONS:

• The Lead Pastor will have significant experience in pastoral ministry and organizational leadership.
• The Lead Pastor will meet or exceed the requirements for ordination as a Minister of the Word and Sacraments in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Consequently, he will be ordained or be ordainable as such, though ordained individuals from other historically Reformed denominations will be considered.
• Pastor Stanley Groothof will be concluding his tenure of faithful service to Trinity at the end of 2025. The Lead Pastor, in consultation with the Council, will be expected to fill his vacancy in a way that compliments his strengths and shortcomings.

To apply, please fill out the fields below and attach your resume. Your completed application will be reviewed in a timely manner.