Wood River Mennonite Church Head Pastor

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Snapshot

Denomination: Mennonite Church USA

Weekly Attendance:  50

Location: Wood River, NE

The Role: Head Pastor

Meet Wood River Mennonite Church:

In 1904, Mennonites from Milford, Nebraska, along with a few from other states, settled in the Wood River, Nebraska community, all of German descent. Initially, worship services were held in the homes of the first five families. As the community grew, Peter Beckler donated land, and a church building was constructed, completed in 1908 and dedicated on February 14, 1909. By the 1920s, membership had increased to over 200, but the Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 1930s led many families to leave in search of work. The original building was used for 61 years until the current sanctuary was built and dedicated on October 18, 1970, with about 100 members. In the mid-1990s, a library was added, and in 2007, the Fellowship Hall was completed to accommodate the growing congregation.

About the Head Pastor:

It is the responsibility of the Pastor to minister to the spiritual welfare of the church and the individuals by providing a balanced presentation of the Whole Counsel of God. The Pastor shall be called by the Church and shall become and remain an active member in good standing with the Church. The duties of the Pastor shall be to preach the Word of God and minister to the spiritual welfare of all members.

The Head Pastor's Responsibilities Include: 

• Responsible, with the Elders and other appropriate committees, for planning worship services of the congregation including preparing and delivering Bible-based sermons.
  
  
• Give general administrative help and counsel in teaching, extension activities and fellowship organizations of the congregation.
  
  
• Prioritize important rituals of commitment, transition and healing with individuals, family and congregation (infant dedication, baptism, weddings, funerals, communion, foot-washing, etc.)
  
  
• Conduct regular visitation of members (taking special note of the elderly and those experiencing illness/crisis), informing the congregation of opportunities to provide mutual support and care.
  
  
• Connect to the call of Jesus to contemporary issues of justice and peace, developing strategies to engage in what God is doing to restore Shalom.
  
  
• Work with the Board of Elders in discerning and developing spiritual gifts among persons of the congregation, sharing leadership by including, equipping and empowering.
  
  
• Model healthy ways of living with congregational differences, working at conflict resolution, problem-solving and communal decision-making processes.
  
  
• Report to the Board of Elders monthly activities.
  
  
• Furnish an annual report to the congregation.
  
  
• Maintain an accurate record of the membership of the church; work with the Board of Elders in regards to new membership requests.
  
  
• Maintain open, harmonious relationships with the Conference, other church leaders and community leaders as well as engaging in the community, working with the community groups and interfaith efforts.
  
  
• Attend Annual Meeting of the Conference as a Delegate.

What You Bring: 

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

Experience

• 3+ years of ministry experience  ideal.

Education

• Post-secondary education ideal.

Qualifications: 

“The character and reputation of leaders is to be above reproach. Following the example of Christ, person so appointed preach and teach with authority, interpret the scriptures and the faith diligently, speak divine truth with boldness, equip the saints, relate with compassion to the needy, and lead the congregation in faithful living, so that the church may be “built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.’”.

(Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, from Article 15) (Matthew 25:31-40; 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; 1 Peter 4:10-12; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9)

What it's Like to Live in Wood River, NE: 

Wood River Mennonite Church is located in a rural, close-knit community, approximately 6 miles from two small towns: Cairo, NE to the north and Wood River, NE to the south. Both towns offer basic amenities such as housing, banks, gas stations, and schools. Wood River also has a grocery store and Dollar General, while Cairo is known for its popular coffee shop, bowling alley, and golf course. For more extensive shopping, dining, and medical services, residents can travel to Grand Island, NE, which is just 15 minutes away. Grand Island offers a wider range of employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare and manufacturing, and many local residents commute there for work. The area is primarily agricultural, and the lifestyle is simple, traditional, and community-focused, making it ideal for those who appreciate rural living with easy access to city conveniences.