Snapshot

Denomination: Free Methodist Church

Location: Redwood City, California

The Role: Senior Pastor

Meet RIZE Church Planting Network:

VISION

RIZE exists to plant, replant, recalibrate and adopt diverse churches in strategic cities in the US and beyond!

“ The RIZE Network are West Coast churches that are a contemporary community of Christ-following adults, teens and children aided by the Holy Spirit to experience, demonstrate and share the truths, principles and promises that Jesus Christ taught and modeled.”

VALUE ON CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

When you visit a RIZE Church you will find people from every generation, race, socio-economic status and Christian tradition. You will also find many who have never had a prior church experience of any kind. We are determined to say “Welcome!” to any and all who Jesus welcomes and receives. Our music is one example of our diversity. Although RIZE Churches are committed to a wide range of contemporary and progressive musical expressions, we also recognize the great value of tapping into our rich two thousand years of worship tradition. More important to us than the style of our music is the spirit of our worship …. from the heart, in spirit and in truth. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor or in-between, married or single or divorced or widowed, Republican or Democrat or something else politically, from any racial or ethnic group – Jesus welcomes you and so do we!

DESIRE TO BUILD AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS

In an often impersonal contemporary culture, we seek to be family to one another, loving each other as Christ loved us.
We are not an exclusive or reclusive group of people. Anyone is welcome at a RIZE Church. We willingly lay aside secondary matters and stubborn insistence in doctrinal disputes which often polarize Christian communities. Instead, we choose to concentrate on the basic core beliefs which all true Christians share in common.

STRIVE TO BE RELEVANT WITHOUT BECOMING RELATIVE

We believe that the principles for life that Jesus taught, though considered ancient by most standards, have stood the test of time. His teachings are completely relevant to the challenges of living in the 21st century. They are the essential key to building healthy families, friendships, careers and perspective.

Our commitment to live out these principles, though difficult at times, is aided daily by his Spirit, who not only empowers us to navigate through the ups and downs of life, but has proven to be the source of the unparalleled satisfaction, fulfillment, and joy which characterizes our community. 

WE ARE MISSIONAL IN OUR ACTIVITY

“How we do life” is an essential component to the mission of the RIZE Network. RIZE is a Network created to export its community to homes, neighborhoods, work places, schools, athletic fields, musical venues and communities throughout the world. 

WHY:

• To demonstrate the character of Jesus Christ;

• To share the principles and promises of Jesus Christ; and,to serve human needs just as Jesus Christ did.

• In essence we are His representatives to a world that needs the hope, love and purpose that He alone offers.

Pacific Coast Japanese Conference (PCJC)

The Rize Church Planting Network is a part of the PCJC- Pacific Coast Japanese Conference.  The PCJC is a multi-ethnic network of 21 churches and three preaching points, with an aggressive strategy and vision to plant churches through their newly founded RIZE Church Planting Network.

The goal of launching RIZE is to plant “20 churches in 10 years” from San Diego to Seattle and beyond!

About the Senior Pastor:

A RIZE church planter is a person who is called and equipped to start and lead a new church that is culturally relevant and missional. They are passionate about reaching people who are far from God and building a community of believers who are committed to making a difference in the world.

Here is a profile of a RIZE church planter:

• Has a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ. RIZE church planters are first and foremost disciples of Jesus Christ. They are committed to following Him and making Him known to others.

• Is passionate about reaching people who are far from God. RIZE church planters have a heart for the lost and the unchurched. They are committed to finding creative ways to reach people with the gospel and build relationships with them.

• Is a gifted leader and communicator. RIZE church planters are able to cast vision, recruit and develop a team, and communicate effectively to both the church and the community.

• Is culturally relevant and missional. RIZE church planters are sensitive to the cultural context they are planting in and are committed to starting churches that are relevant to their community. They are also passionate about mission work and want to see their church make a difference in the world.

In addition to these general qualities, RIZE church planters are also expected to have the following specific skills and abilities:

• Ability to reach and develop Millennials. RIZE is particularly focused on reaching and discipling Millennials and Gen Z. Church planters who are able to connect with and build relationships with this generation are highly valued.

• Ability to reach young families and established families. RIZE church planters also want to reach and minister to families of all ages. Church planters who have a heart for families and are able to create a welcoming and engaging environment for them are highly valued.

• Exceptional recruiter/gatherer. Church planters need to be able to recruit and develop a team of people to help them start and lead their church. Church planters who are able to cast vision and build relationships with others are highly valued.

• Ability to operationalize a vision (or find someone who can). Church planters need to be able to develop and implement a plan for their church. Church planters who are able to think strategically and are able to execute their plans are highly valued.

If you are interested in becoming a RIZE church planter, you can learn more about the process and apply on their website: http://www.rizechurchplanting.com/

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor:

Education & Experience

• An acute understanding of  the biblical principle of  Multiplication.

• Proven experience is building and growing  a ministry.

• Demonstrable  record of  successfully driving the Great Commision.

• Recruiting and  Developing  staff and volunteer  teams 

• Experience in a successful start up is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to reach and develop millennials

• Able to reach young families and established families 

• Social media and marketing savvy

• Exceptional recruiter/gatherer

• Exceptional communicator

• Strong understanding of the God's Word

• Student of culture

• Able to build and develop teams/Leadership Pipelines 

• West Coast savvy

• Able to raise funds, fiscally astute 

• Understands work/life balance

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

• Visionary 

• Self-aware

• Relational

• Has the heart to grow a multi-cultural, diverse church

• Problem-solver

• Aligns with FMC theology and polity

• Strategic thinker

• High EQ

• Models health (spiritual, marital, relational)

• Strong sense of calling as a church planter

• Perseveres

• Possesses the gift of faith

• Teachable

What it's Like to Live in Redwood City, California: 

Redwood City is a San Francisco Bay Area community located in the heart of Silicon Valley. The technology-rich region extends from the San Francisco Peninsula to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwood City is a short 30-mile drive from San Francisco,  San Jose, and the popular beach town Half Moon Bay. Redwood City has an average of 255 sunny days a year, which it boasts with its slogan, “Climate Best by Government Test.”  In addition to its mild climate, the Peninsula offers a variety of outdoor activities including cycling, hiking, water sports, and sightseeing. Redwood City has a vibrant downtown, becoming known as the entertainment hub of the Peninsula offering residents a unique blend of retail, restaurants, festivals, entertainment, and historic buildings while maintaining a small-town charm. With its many parks and museums, it is an ideal place to raise a family.

Think you're a great fit for this role? Become a candidate below.