Snapshot
Denomination: PCUSA
Weekly Attendance: 50
Location: Denison, IA
The Role: Senior Pastor
Since 1871, the United Presbyterian Church of Denison (UPC Denison) has ministered to the peoples of West Central Iowa. We are a community of ordinary, hope-filled people growing in faith, embodying and sharing God’s love, and committed to local outreach.
UPC Denison is aligned with and a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) or PCUSA.
Whether you're passing through or looking to put down roots, you're welcome to worship with us and to join our church family.
About the Senior Pastor:
The successful candidate for the position of Pastor at Denison United Presbyterian Church will be the “face” of our congregation in the church, local community, and Presbytery. This person will be tasked with ensuring that our mission statement is alive and well. He/she would a personable, outgoing individual who is passionate about the teaching of God's Word.
Support the wider church: Active in Presbytery committees
Consistent in visits and delivery of communion to shut-ins: Coordinates with the Deacons to ensure that each church member has regular spiritual contact.
Be involved and teach youth programs: Seeks out opportunities and avenues for bringing back a youthful presence in the church.
Be community-minded and actively involved in community organizations
Lead us in reaching out to a culturally diverse community: Denison has many opportunities for diversifying the congregation, welcoming collaborations, and building relationships outside the current church membership.
Recognize strengths of church members and encourage individual involvement: Is able to be respectfully persuasive at encouraging further participation, focusing on personal and spiritual growth of parishioners.
Work with the worship committee to determine the order of worship: Our Worship Committee has led brilliantly through this transition; the pastor will lean on that leadership to build a sound, thoughtful, and inspiring worship.
Provide pastoral care through regular in-person visits to hospitals, care facilities, and homes: The pastor will find this task a blessing; building personal and spiritual relationships with members enhances positive relationships with all.
Participate in the area ministerial association: A strong pastor is active and provides leadership within the area, represents Denison United Presbyterian Church confidently, and builds relationships with other area churches.
Help create an environment that will lead to church growth, and teaching confirmation and prospective member classes: The doctrines and teachings of the Presbyterian Church and our beliefs are consistent with healing the struggles in our world; building our membership is essential in sharing our message.
Teach Sunday School classes and Bible study groups: The pastor will work with the Christian Education committee to provide and support Christian educational opportunities.
Be supportive of committee work within the congregation: We have competent leaders and committees; the pastor will recognize and support the work as they have been and as they grow.
The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor:
Education & Experience
Bachelor Degree required
Seminary Degree preferred
Ordained or Ordainable with PCUSA
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Be organized: Be timely and considerate of the needs of others within this church.
Be adept at coordinating the use of technology within UPC Denison: While the successful candidate may have their own level of comfort with technology, they will be able to utilize resources to enhance our digital footprint.
Is able to teach and preach his/her Biblical knowledge: Has a sound and confident statement of faith.
Be fiscally prudent: The successful candidate is able to balance fiscal prudence with appropriate growth in the church.
Is able to see a need and is innovative in solutions: The pastor knows what is going on and thinks outside the box, finding solutions to real and potential issues; they are forward-thinking, insightful, and creative.
Personal Characteristics & Qualifications
Expresses a genuine interest in the lives of parishioners
Able to teach and preach his/her Biblical knowledge: Has a sound and confident statement of faith.
Missions and Outreach
What it's Like to Live in Denison, IA:
Denison, Iowa, is a charming, diverse, Midwestern town known for its strong sense of community, friendly residents, and rich history. As the County Seat of Crawford County, Denison offers small-town charm with a close-knit atmosphere, where neighbors know each other by name. The community thrives with local events, good schools, and outdoor recreation options, including parks and trails. With a diverse economy rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries, Denison provides a quality of life that combines the best of small-town living with educational opportunities at Western Iowa Tech Community College, historic sites, and vibrant local businesses.
Think you're a great fit for this role? Become a candidate below.