Employment Opportunities
PASTOR FOR CONGREGATIONAL CARE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, Des Moines, Iowa, seeks an experienced and energetic full-time Pastor for Congregational Care. This position will report to the Senior Pastor and collaborate with the pastoral team. This is a full-time, in-person, salaried position. The candidate will be regularly involved with weekend worship, general staff responsibilities, and pastoral duties. The primary function of this role is to assist with the weekly pastoral care needs of Plymouth Church. These pastoral duties include pastoral visits and attentiveness to the general care of the congregation. This pastor will serve as the pastoral staff advisor for the Board of Congregational Care, collaborating with its various committees for meaningful and engaging ministry. This pastor will also provide pastoral leadership and support to Plymouth’s Stephen Ministry.
QUALIFICATIONS
Successful candidates’ key qualifications are openness to learning, the ability to work in a collaborative environment, a strong theological foundation, and a commitment to purposeful innovation and relationship building.
Seminary or theological education (MDiv, MTS, MA, MAR, etc.)
Experience in a mid-to large-size congregation preferred
Ordination preferred
Affirmation of progressive theology
Organizational and administrative skills
Willingness to engage with technology and church management systems
Strong influence and communication skills Intangibles:
We care about one another and work to achieve common goals.
We value collaboration and teamwork.
We share failures and successes.
We speak well of one another.
SALARY & BENEFITS:
Base salary of $70,000 to $80,000
403b contribution of 14% of base salary
90% of employee’s health insurance premium
90% of employee’s dental insurance premium
4 weeks of paid vacation
2 weeks of professional development
4 additional weekends off per year
Week after Christmas and week of July 4th off
Some reimbursement for moving expenses is available
Sabbatical after five years of continuous employment
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:
Plymouth Church first gathered in 1857, the same year Des Moines was named the state capital. Throughout our history, the people of Plymouth have appreciated progressive theology, social justice, and community engagement. In 2023, Plymouth celebrated being open and affirming for 30 years. Plymouth is one of the largest congregations in the United Church of Christ, with an active membership of more than 2,500. Plymouth has more than 20 full-time pastoral and program staff members and more than 25 part-time staff members. These parttime positions support Plymouth’s dynamic and expansive children and adult music and arts programs. Plymouth is a teaching congregation with a 27-month pastoral residency program (Transition into Ministry) for first-call pastors. All Plymouth pastors and program staff guide resident TiM pastors in their spiritual and professional development.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Plymouth welcomes candidates from various denominational backgrounds. Plymouth values diversity in all facets, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status.
LIVING IN DES MOINES
Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city, is the fastest-growing Metro in the Midwest and is regularly ranked as one of the top cities to live in by U.S. News. Great schools, affordable housing, a budding food culture, strong arts and entertainment offerings, several annual festivals, and drivable access to several other large cities help make Des Moines a desirable city. Extensive recreational trails, rivers, and parks also make Des Moines an easy place to enjoy. In addition to the amenities of the city, Des Moines is progressive for the region and has a welcoming culture. The city and surrounding suburbs provide many different living options within a short commute from Plymouth. People living in the area describe it as having the best elements of small and larger cities.
Comparative information on Iowa
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Rev. Dr. Jared Wortman, emailing these materials to jwortman@plymouthchurch.com.