On Sunday March 8, 2026, the congregation of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church unanimously elected the Rev. Jordan Warntjes (rhymes with oranges) to serve as our next pastor and head of staff. Jordan and his wife, Michelle, are scheduled to begin their ministry in Iowa City in May.
The vote followed the presentation of the Pastor Nominating Committee’s final report, concluding an eight-month process of creating a congregational profile, reviewing candidates, conducting interviews, and discerning who might best serve alongside St. Andrew in the years ahead. The committee introduced Jordan to the congregation during worship, and the congregational meeting that followed gave everyone a chance to hear more about his background in ministry, his approach to worship and leadership, and his hopes for shared ministry here. Members also had the opportunity to ask questions before the vote was called.
The result was clear and joyful: a unanimous vote to call Jordan as St. Andrew’s next pastor. (Presbyterians don’t always agree on everything, so when we do, it’s worth celebrating.
Jordan shared that several things drew him to St. Andrew — including the congregation’s welcoming spirit, its commitment to inclusion and racial justice, and the strong sense of community evident even from afar. He spoke warmly about the opportunity to grow together in faith, service, and imagination in the years ahead.
We give thanks for the faithful work of the Pastor Nominating Committee and for the prayerful participation of the congregation throughout this process. After a season of transition, it is a real joy to see where the Spirit is leading next — and we are more than a little excited to get started.
As we prepare for this new chapter in the life of the church, please keep Jordan and Michelle in your prayers as they prepare for their move to Iowa City and the beginning of this new season of ministry with St. Andrew.