Real Life Church Hires Senior Pastor

Hire Announcement (1)-4
LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO - Real Life Church - Las Cruces, New Mexico has expanded its leadership team by appointing Joel Oates as their new Senior Pastor. Real Life Church strives to fulfill its mission of being made up of real people, with real faith, meeting the needs of others with compassion for Jesus Christ.

Joel Oates was hired earlier this year to join the staff of Real Life Church and begin serving as their Senior Pastor. Joel was called into ministry 18 years ago while attending Liberty University and he has been faithfully pursuing God’s will for his life since then. He has served in a variety of ministry roles throughout his career, including working as a Youth Pastor, directing college and adult ministries, as well as being involved with discipleship and teaching for many years. Joel’s goal for his life is to always be available to the leading of the Lord and to receive the lessons he has to offer. He has recently stepped into his new position as Senior Pastor at Real Life and he hopes that during his time he can focus on discipleship development and relationship building with the community. Real Life Church is thrilled to have him on board and to continue their dedication to sharing the love of Jesus with all they have.

Brian Dunks, our Executive Search Consultant, worked closely with Real Life on this search and he shared that “it was a privilege to work with Real Life Church to help them find Joel Oates. Joel's ministry path of college ministry, student ministry, associate pastor, and campus pastor at a large multi-site church allow him a unique perspective on church life that will guide Real LIfe into a very bright future. It is truly an honor to inhabit a place where I get to be a part of God connecting church and candidate for His glory."

Joel is not only a Christ-follower and a passionate leader, but he is also a devoted husband and father. Joel has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 15 years and they have three children, Hezekiah, Zoe, and Boaz. Joel and his family have officially moved to Las Cruces and are excited to truly begin investing in the church in person. Joel has incredible experience in all areas of ministry and he will contribute greatly by engaging with the leadership team, church family, and community members. This role will showcase his gift for teaching God’s word in a relevant and applicable manner for others to experience the Lord’s wisdom and power in every area of their lives. We are honored to have worked with Real Life Church on this search and are expectant of how God will use Joel to further His Kingdom.
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