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Apply for This Job Transitional Lead Pastor The River Church Community San Jose, CA Posted: June 09, 2025     Job Information: Transitional Lead Pastor Term: 6 � 24 months (full-time, salaried) Position Summary The Transitional Lead Pastor will shepherd The River through a season of discernment and restructuring while we search for a permanent Lead Pastor. Partnering with wise lay leaders, strong staff, and an engaged Board, the Transitional Lead Pastor will: -Offer steady, Christ-centered leadership -Nurture spiritual and organizational health -Equip the congregation to embrace future vision and change The assignment concludes once a permanent Lead Pastor is called (anticipated 6�24 months). Key Responsibilities Preaching & Worship -Oversee Sunday morning teachings, either delivering the teaching or delegating the teaching in collaboration with staff and lay leaders. Ensure that messages are biblically anchored, culturally relevant, and reflect The River�s ethos of thoughtful orthodoxy, Spirit-led insight, and practical application. -Shape Sunday gatherings with the worship planning team, honoring our blended style and weekly Eucharist. Spiritual & Pastoral Leadership -Model a prayer-saturated, Spirit-dependent life that invites the congregation into deeper communion with Christ. -Provide pastoral care�especially to staff and leaders�through listening, prayer, and counsel. -Protect and promote The River�s �Third Way� approach to potentially polarizing social and political issues, ensuring our open table and inclusive culture remain vibrant. -Shepherd the congregation through a season of external judicial processes and investigations, especially for segments of the church most deeply affected. Organizational Health & Transition Management -Collaboratively assess church vision, ministries, structures, processes, and operations for health and opportunities. Recommend changes to maintain the overall vibrancy of the church and prepare the organization for new leadership. -Supervise and coach church staff team in ongoing needs, including ministry year planning and tracking personal and professional goals. -Offer leadership, mentorship, and strategic planning in key ministries, including Adult Spiritual Formation, Compassion & Justice, Youth Group, Kids Community, Young Adults, and Seniors. -Facilitate healthy communication and conflict-resolution processes, maintaining transparency and trust. -Work closely with the Board and Lead Pastor Search Task Force to guide the search for a permanent lead pastor. Mission & Community Engagement -Champion our call to live as Jesus�s blessing to Silicon Valley�locally and globally�by encouraging justice and evangelism initiatives. -Cultivate relationships within the Evangelical Covenant Church for resourcing and accountability. Compensation & Terms -Full-time salary commensurate with experience and Bay Area cost of living. -Housing allowance (per IRS clergy guidelines), health benefits, retirement contribution, and professional development funds. -Paid vacation, retreat, and study time as negotiated. Application Process -Submit a r�sum�/CV, cover letter, two recent sermon links (video or audio), and three professional references to [email protected]. -Include a one-page reflection on leading a church through transition and change. -Qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial interview; subsequent steps include meetings with staff and key leaders, reference checks, and in-person visit. Application deadline: Open until filled; priority review begins June 15, 2025. The River Church Community celebrates unity in diversity and welcomes qualified applicants of any race, gender, or background. Come as you are�join us in embodying Jesus�s good news in Silicon Valley and beyond.     Position Information: Position Title: Transitional Lead Pastor Time: Full Time Category: Senior Pastor Salary: 100,000+ Denomination: Worship Style: Blended Church Size: 250 - 500   Contact Information: Organization Name: The River Church Community Address1: 670 Lincoln Ave. Address2: Suite 200 City: San Jose State or Province: CA ZIP Code: 95126 Country: USA Map this Organization: Map Contact Email: Contact this Organization   Pastorless Churches				Post a Job