Posting for Pastor/Head of Staff
Community Church of the Verdes
25603 N. Danny Lane
Rio Verde, Arizona 85263
Email verdespastorsearch@gmail.com
Web Site verdefaith.org
https://verdefaith.org/job-opportunities
Community Church of the Verdes Vision Statement
To be a Christ centered church that inspires individuals to grow closer to God and to serve others with loving and compassionate hearts.
Overview
The Full-Time Pastor oversees the Community Church of the Verdes family. The Pastor ministers to the spiritual needs, through preaching and teaching the Word of God as summarized in the Apostles’ Creed with counsel of God and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Pastor is responsible to our Lord and Savior and the congregation. The Pastor’s immediate accountability group is the Board of Trustees.
The Community Church of the Verdes is an independent inter-denominational church, with a vibrant and engaged congregation. We have a strong education and mission focus, and excellent worship music and concert programs.
Our church is in Rio Verde AZ, which is nestled in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded on three sides by the Tonto National Forest, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and the Yavapai Apache Nation. While in this tranquil setting, Scottsdale AZ is only minutes away.
Pastoral Qualification Requirements
A master’s degree, preferably a Master of Divinity (M Div) or its equivalent from an Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accredited institution, is required. Ten to fifteen years of experience in pastoral ministry, encompassing preaching and staff supervision, are also essential. Additionally, the candidate must be an ordained minister in good standing with their ordaining body. While complementary experience in these areas will be considered, a master’s degree or its equivalent and relevant experience are the minimum requirements.
Pastoral Functions
Preaching/Worship:
- Plan and lead:
- Weekly Sunday morning worship.
- Advent and Lent services.
- Meetings with the Director of Music.
- Follow up on requests or comments made by members or guests including those seeking information about membership.
- Preach, speak, pray, and otherwise officiate at funerals, weddings, and other ceremonies.
- Represent the church at various civic and community gatherings.
Education:
- Plan and coordinate Bible Studies and small discussion groups consistent with congregational needs.
- Participate in additional teaching and leading as indicated and consistent with Pastor’s gifts.
Pastoral Care:
- Visit with and support members in their homes, in-care facilities, and hospitals.
- Make calls and send notes to members, non-members, and new residents.
- Participate with Stephen Ministry.
- Support members with counseling e.g., pre-marital, grief, crisis, etc.
Administration:
- Communication regularly with the Board of Trustees President.
- Attend monthly meetings with the Church Board of Trustees.
- Meet with church staff and volunteers as needed.
- Attend committee and task force meetings, as needed.
- Prepare and provide annual church personnel reviews.
Communication:
- Embrace and support the use of technology as a part of routine church communications and ministries (e.g., streaming worship services, on-line donations, website updates, weekly and episodic updates to congregants, and facilitate enhanced website functionality and usage).
Community:
- Attend Community Leaders meeting(s).
- Perform fire chaplain work, as needed.
- Participate in various clergy groups.
- Attend and be involved with local community events.
- Attend church events, including Education, Harmony, and Spirituality and the Arts, lectures, and concerts.
- Provide a leadership role with church mission outreach.
Church Membership and Geographic Data
Serving multiple communities:
- The community currently includes 2 active 55+ golfing communities, Tonto Verde, and Rio Verde, with a total of approximately 1,700 homes (20% of these residents may be under the age of 55).
- An additional community, Trilogy is approximately five miles away and will have ~1,385 homes when fully built out.
- Rio Verde Foothills is 10-15 miles away and has ~2,000 homes, dispersed in an unincorporated area NE of Scottsdale.
- Fountain Hills is a city 9 miles away, with a population of ~25,000.
- A proposed community adjacent to the Tonto Verde community will have ~1,000 homes when fully built out.
Membership Data:
- Church membership is comprised primarily of Rio Verde and Tonto Verde residents, ~85%.
- The population varies with the seasons, with the higher occurring November through April.
- We have both Regular Members (those who consider our church as their primary church home) and Associate Members (those who consider our church as their secondary church home).
- Many church members stream the church service when they return to their primary residence or if they are unable to attend service in person.
Attendance:
- From November through April, the average attendance is 250 with an additional 115 streaming the services.
- From May through October, the average attendance is 100 with an additional 120 streaming the services.
Pastor Search Listening Sessions:
- In January 2025, members of the congregation identified the following key qualities and duties they desire in a senior pastor:
- Bible based sermons delivered in an enthusiastic, relatable, and memorable manner.
- A heart for pastoral care that meets the needs of our community.
- Engages in the community and fosters a welcoming church home.
- A vision for community outreach and church growth.
- Leadership in Bible study, prayer, and missions.
- A more comprehensive summary can be located on the church website.
Compensation and Leave Allowance
The Community Church of The Verdes is offering a competitive compensation package which will be discussed once a mutual interest is developed.
Response Information
We recommend a close look at our website, verdefaith.org, where you will find data showing a financially stable and active church. The website includes a 40-year history of the church.
If this Senior Pastoral position is in alignment with your personal calling, then we encourage you to pursue it further. You may send us a concise resume with a cover letter emailed to verdespastorsearch@gmail.com for the attention of the Call Committee. Responses should be received by April 15, 2025.
