A degree from an accredited seminary is required (M.Div. preferred). A minimum of a year’s experience as pastor of a congregation is valued. Because our Sunday morning worship service is the centerpiece of our congregational life, our new pastor should be particularly gifted at preaching and teaching the Word of God, to encourage and sustain all who join us in worship. In addition, our new pastor should possess: gifts for ministering and counseling individuals and groups; talents for visualizing and initiating new ministries; and administrative abilities to organize and supervise a small part-time staff and dedicated volunteers. 

The pastor’s primary responsibilities include: preparing compelling weekly sermons, planning a Sunday worship service in coordination with the organist/choir director, counseling and visiting members and nonmembers, managing daily operations, and meeting with church committees.

Founded in 1841 and affiliated with American Baptist Churches USA, First Baptist Church of Iowa City maintains a long tradition of Christian service to our community and our world. We are a congregation marked by diversity across many spectra: ethnic, political, economic, and educational. This diversity reveals our dedication to Christian love, and also challenges our leaders to sustain a common vision. Our congregation is known for outstanding sermons and music, and we follow a liturgical worship style. We are open to adapting our style of worship and to calling a man or woman who may not be ordained in the ABC-USA.

Home to 67,000 residents and the University of Iowa, Iowa City is consistently named one of the best places to live in the United States with access to high quality academics, the arts, healthcare, and athletics events. Our neo-gothic church building is within walking distance to both campus and downtown.

Applicants should forward the following: a cover letter indicating interest in leading our church; a resume; a brief vision statement elaborating your philosophy for small, growing churches; and a manuscript of a sermon exemplifying your understanding of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. (Finalists will be asked for a recorded service/sermon.) Please mail these to: Pastor Search Committee, First Baptist Church of Iowa City, 500 North Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52245. Review of applications begins immediately, and continues until the position is filled. Direct questions to committee chair F. Larry Shostrom via email or phone the church office at 319-338-7995.

Church membership comes from many denominations, but is firmly committed to preserving its liturgical tradition, congregational leadership, and Baptist/UCC commit­ments.