Snapshot

Denomination: Lutheran

Weekly Attendance: 100

Location: Clinton/Elvira, IA 

The Role: Pastor

Meet  Zion Lutheran Church:

The Elvira Zion Lutheran Church story begins in 1892 when four families met in a rural schoolhouse with Rev. Ossian Hartman to organize a church.  Two weeks later, worship services began in the little English Lutheran Church, one of two pioneer churches that stood on the current location of the Elvira Cemetery.  

Elvira Zion is a country church that works hard and wants to be close to God. There is a strong sense of family as many families have been an active part of this church for generations. We seek to provide a place and welcoming atmosphere to worship God and nurture our members in the Christian faith. We seek to serve all members, including homebound, children, and families. We have a mission of service to show the love of Jesus, especially through the food pantry and our involvement with the Food Resource Bank.

Through the years, the church has seen many changes and additions. The one thing that has not changed is the love this community has for one another and its church.

About the Pastor:

Serve as the primary spiritual leader of Elvira Zion Lutheran Church through preaching, teaching, and partnering with lay leadership in the shepherding of the people. 

Promoting the Ministry, Mission and Core Values of Elvira Zion Lutheran Church and its community by demonstrating professional and ethical work practices while fostering excellence in hospitality and congregational service.

The Pastor's Responsibilities Include: 

• Serve as primary preacher.

• Assume lead responsibility for positioning the church strategically to carry out its vision and embody its core values.

• Grow the strength of congregational life through a deep investment in Elvira Zion’s people.

• Perform all the general duties of pastoral ministry (i.e. baptisms, weddings, funerals, worship, counseling, hospital/nursing home visitation, teach confirmation class, etc.).

• Empower and lead the congregation in their prayer life.

• Strong leader who works well with our Council and committees.

• Visit the sick and elderly on a regular basis.

• Develop innovative leadership for programs and activities to meet the needs of the congregation.

• Report to the Church Council monthly on job duties.

• Maintain confidentiality.

What You Bring: 

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

Education & Experience

• Undergraduate degree, required

• Seminary degree, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good writing and communication skills

• Financially astute

• Strong interpreter of theology

• Skilled teacher (concise and relatable)

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

• Integrity

• Honesty

• Energy for inspiring a vision

• Motivator/Team Player

• Values the strengths of others

• Love of people and children

• Leadership

• Compassionate

• Personable

What it's Like to Live in Clinton/Elvira, IA : 

Elvira is a small unincorporated community that exists in a rural setting in eastern Iowa. Located 7 miles west of Clinton (population 28,000), 12 miles east of DeWitt (population 5,200), and 35 miles north of the Quad Cities (population 380,000). All of Elvira’s amenities are within a short driving distance.

Some of the most highly rated schools within the state are located within the communities surrounding Elvira, providing a variety of opportunities for students to prosper. Communities have facilities for pools, golf, camps, camping, fitness centers, fishing, college games, and more. Every community has a major hospital and a variety of clinics. University of Iowa Hospitals are within a 1.5-hour drive and have Level 1 trauma and Children Stead Family Cancer Center. Rochester Mayo Clinic is within 5 hours and is known for specialized care, especially cancer. 

The rural surroundings in Elvira provide a peaceful and quiet atmosphere with low crime rates. Life in Elvira is full of community, providing a small-town charm while also supplying everything you would need to call Elvira home.

Think you're a great fit for this role? Become a candidate below.