Originally a part of the Methodist denomination, the church was forsaken in the days when the United Methodist movement took hold. Denominational leadership planned to close the facility rather than have two Methodist churches in Osceola. The congregation reacted by withdrawing from the denomination as a statement against the closing and against the liberalism. It has been a member of IFCA International since 1949.

The church served as an IFCA International flagship ministry in Iowa for many years under the ministry of Pastor George Neal. Neal served as the church’s pastor for over twenty years. He left the church in 1992, for another pastorate.  In November 2007 the church found itself without a pastor. Midwest Church Extension was called upon to assist in providing pulpit ministry. As MCE became more intimately acquainted with the church’s situation it was our recommendation that the church consider coming under the mission as a “re-plant”. This recommendation was accepted by the church in March 2008. As a mission church, Calvary Bible Church is now under the direction and authority of Midwest Church Extension. A new constitution was written and was ratified on July 27, 2008 and the official membership was re-constituted with 19 adult members.

In the Spring of 2009, Pastor Matt Floyd became the church’s plant leader/pastor and served through February 2014 when he accepted a call to another church.

The facility is located a few miles north of the town of Osceola Iowa; 50 miles south of Des Moines and 50 miles north of the Missouri line.  The church is debt free with a well maintained facility that comfortably seats 100 people. The basement provides classroom space, a fellowship area and a kitchen facility.

Osceola is the county seat for Clarke County and is home to approximately 5100 of the county’s 9400 residents. There is a significant percentage (18%) of Hispanic people in Osceola.  The area is encountering limited growth presently, due to a sizable casino that exists just outside of town along the interstate. Wal-Mart opened a store in town in March 2008.  The church currently has an attendance between 30 and 40 people.

Pastor / Mission Plant Leader Requirements (no exceptions):

• IFCA International Membership
• Missionary Status with Midwest Church Extension
• Capable Pulpit Skills
• Good People and Relational Skills
• Outreach Oriented
• Willingness to Network
• Oriented for Rural Community Church Ministry

MCE is seeking a man to fill the position of the plant leader/pastor in this church. The church is a replant project under the guidance and authority of Midwest Church Extension. This relationship will continue until the church is graduated from MCE as a fully viable IFCA International church.  One of the keys to effective ministry here will be a willingness to be deliberate about making opportunities to meet and interact with the local residents in a socially informal context. Attendance at significant community events and regularly rubbing shoulders with them at the local eatery where they gather are just two examples of that approach.

Interested parties must fill out application packet: MCE Application Packet (WORD)  MCE Application Packet Rev 2013 (PDF)