Lead Pastor

Summary

We are seeking a full time pastor to lead our Sunday sermons, shepherd our congregation, provide guidance to those in need. Act as a disciple for our church and build/facilitate a meaningful & rigorous confirmation along with officiating weddings, funerals, infant dedications, and baptisms.

Links

Church Website: www.peacechurchnewsalem.org

School Website: www.new-salem.k12.nd.us

New Salem Community Website: www.newsalem-nd.com

Bismarck Area Website: www.ndtourism.com/cities/bismarck-mandan

North Dakota State Website: www.nd.gov

PROFILE

Peace Church

P.O. Box 49

410 Elm Avenue

New Salem, ND 58563

Telephone: (701)843-7376 

President of Church Council: George Kreidt

4979 Co. Rd. 139 New Salem, ND 58563 (701)226-2179 

Search Committee Chairman: George Kreidt

                              4979 Co. Rd. 139 New Salem, ND 58563 (701)226-2179

Position to be filled: Lead Pastor of Peace Church

A.     Membership: 376                                          Average attendance: 94

B.     HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

1.      Originated in April 1883. German Evangelical Church. Later became Evangelical and Reformed, and in 1961, merged with the Congregational Church to become the United Church of Christ. In March, 1944, Peace Church voted to remove itself from UCC and became an independent church.

2.      Very strong family ties to the church, reaching back for several generations.

3.      Major occupations of the members include farming and ranching, agribusiness, various laborers, and professionals. Also a large group of retired persons.

4.      Very strong lay leadership within the church. Many dedicated people willingly give of their time and talents on a regular basis.

5.      During the year 1993 there was a conflict with the doctrine and principles of the North Dakota Conference of the United Church of Christ. Due to these issues Peace Church voted to remove itself from the UCC denomination and become an independent church.

Our second most recent minister of 21 years, Pastor Joshua Eddy, left us to retire in his home area of Connecticut. Our most recent Pastor Mark Hassler recently put in his resignation due to serious health concerns.

A.     CHURCH STATISTICS

1.      Organizations- Average Attendance

a.      Sunday School - 55

b.      Bible Study - 6

c.      Joy Fellowship - 15

d.      Cemetery Board - 4

e.      Mission Board – 4

f.       Sanctuary Choir - 40

g.      Handbell Choir - 12

h.      CIA Youth Group - 15

i.       Elm Crest Board Representation - 4

A.     CHURCH PROPERTY

1.      Church and grounds – ½ city block

 i.     Built in 1950

 ii.     Sanctuary seats 400

iii.     Sound room and video system

Connected to Elm Crest Manor Nursing Home- all services transmitted live. Services are also live streamed to YouTube.

iv.     Large dining room

v.     Handicap accessible to both levels

vi.     Freshly painted interior

vii.     New immersion tank

viii.     Current roof project underway 

2.      Christian Education Building

i.     Two story addition to church in 1977

ii.     20 Sunday School rooms

iii.     Pastor’s office, secretary’s office and work room air conditioned

iv.     Large atrium area

v.     No indebtedness on Church or Christian Education building

3.      Parsonage

i.     Built in 1985 – purchased by church in 1990

ii.     Freshly painted Living, Dining, Kitchen, Family Room, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bath

iii.     Attached double garage

iv.     Central air

v.     In residential area ½ block from church

vi.     No indebtedness

vii.     Fiber internet

viii.     New Appliances

4.      Elm Crest Manor Nursing Home – 1 city block

                                                    i.     Peace Church is the owning corporation. Operation corporation from within

                                                   ii.     Built in 1969 – Multiple additions with future additions planned.

                                                  iii.     52 skilled nursing beds and 22 assisted living apartments – filled to capacity

                                                  iv.     Skilled Medicare/Medicaid approved.

                                                   v.     Outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy

B.     COMMUNITY

New Salem is a small rural community of 1000 people, located on I-94 in west central North Dakota. The population is 99% Caucasian, and the ethnic background is mainly German and Norwegian. New Salem has an excellent school system, located in 2 buildings, elementary and high school. The school also provides the community with a fitness center where physical therapy is also provided. New Salem has a grocery store built in the last 10 years, Tellmann’s Market, as well as, other shopping opportunities. The community has a swimming pool, beautiful park area, golf course, campground and a large Historical Museum complex that provide areas for outdoor lovers. The capital city of North Dakota, Bismarck is located only 30 miles east on I-94. It is a hub of medical, cultural, and retail activity.

C.      PEACE CHURCH CONGERGATIONAL SURVEY

In a recent church survey, Peace Church members expressed the following are important for the ministry of Peace Church.

Relational Attributes

1.      Builds a sense of fellowship among the congregation and those they work with.

2.      Is a compassionate/empathetic person who is sensitive to other’s needs

Leadership Attributes

1. Is a compelling preacher/speaker

2. Is competent in planning and leading worship service

3. Effectively works with committees and officers

Discipleship Attributes

1.      Ministers effectively to those in crisis situations

2.      Works to bring new members to church

3.      Makes pastoral calls to people both confined and not confined to their homes

4.      Encourages members to use their gifts to assume roles within the church.

Teaching/Guiding Attributes

1.      Teaches people how to relate the Lord’s word to their daily lives

2.      Has a strong commitment to the education ministry of the church including Confirmation and Sunday School.

3.      Helps people develop their spiritual life and biblical skills.

General Feedback from the Congregation

In a recent church survey, Peace Church the most common feedback given was that the congregation would like to see the active membership grow. Our church has a large membership with low average attendance. The second most common comment was that the congregation wished to hear sermons that related the Bible to their daily lives.