Pastor - California UCC & Salem UCC (California, MO)

California UCC & Salem UCC (California, MO) Pastor THE BIG PICTURE California UCC & Salem UCC ( are seeking a full-time Pastor. Our church family is prayerfully seeking a Pastor who will lead us with humility, love, and a deep commitment to God’s Word. We are close-knit congregations in rural central Missouri, rooted in the Evangelical tradition of the United Church of Christ. Our worship is traditional, our people are genuine, and we desire to continue growing together in Christ while welcoming new faces into our church family. Average attendance at California is 150 and at Salem is 30. Key Responsibilities Deliver biblically grounded, practical, and inspiring sermons. Following the Revised Common Lectionary in worship, there is one service at each church on Sunday morning with midweek services during Lent at California UCC. Cultivate authentic relationships across generations. Address the spiritual needs of youth and young families, encouraging their participation in church life. Guide our congregations in spiritual development and community outreach. Provide ministerial services to the sick, home-bound, and those in long‑term care, and offer spiritual care to members with special needs such as family problems or grief. Conduct and officiate weddings, funeral services, infant and adult baptisms, and communion. Teach confirmation classes for 8th graders. Attend as often as convenient to organizations such as Men’s Brotherhood, Prayer Cell, and Women’s Guild. Provide support to Sunday School and other Christian education programs, and serve as a resource at monthly meetings of teachers and officers and at other required times. Qualifications Faith: A strong personal faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. Experience: Previous experience in preaching and pastoral ministry is preferred. Education: A seminary degree is preferred; other pastoral or biblical training will be considered. Personality: Approachable, relational, and community‑minded with an ability to connect with diverse groups. Our Community and Facilities The church campus features a 100‑year‑old sanctuary, an educational wing with classrooms and office spaces, a gymnasium, and modern kitchen facilities. Active Senior and Youth Choirs, a Bell Choir, Middle & High School youth groups, Sunday School classes for all ages, and various Wednesday evening activities. Participation in the local Ministerial Alliance, coordination with nursing home services, and ecumenical community worship. A governance structure managed by a consistory elected by the congregation, with committees handling administrative responsibilities and a full‑time office manager supporting the pastor. Salem U.C.C. was established in 1848 on about 20 acres including a cemetery. The sanctuary is about 100 years old, basement renovated in 2020, fellowship hall completed in 2017, and a shelter house/picnic area completed circa 1990. Benefits This position offers a competitive salary in the range of $67,000 to $72,000, paid health insurance, a ten percent contribution to a retirement plan, and three weeks of annual vacation. It also provides the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of members and the broader community in a warm, supportive small‑town environment in rural central Missouri. #J-18808-Ljbffr