1. Jesus is life. The rest is details.  Jesus Christ alone is our hope, and the only real and lasting hope for the world (John 14:6). We love and follow Jesus. For this reason, we don’t apologize for the gospel or for putting our relationship with him first in our lives (Romans 1:16). We strive to respond faithfully to the call of Jesus to follow him above all else in this world, which so often competes for our time, energy and attention (Luke 14:15-24).  
    2. Lost people matter to God and so they matter to us.  Jesus was sent to reconcile a lost world to God (Luke 15:1-32), and he calls us to do the same. We like unchurched people, and we know what a difference Jesus can make in their lives. For this reason, we seek to reach out to the world around us and share the everlasting love of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20, John 20:21, 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, Zion Mission and Vision Statements). 
    3. We worship God, not tradition.  Where tradition helps to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and further the mission of our church, we embrace it. Where tradition becomes a wall between God and God’s people, we seek to tear it down (John 2:13-22, Matthew 23:13-36, John 9:1-41). While the gospel message of Jesus Christ remains unchanged (Hebrews 13:8), the manner in which it is proclaimed must change for it to be communicated effectively in a changing world (Mark 2:21-22). In our worship we intentionally offer a blend of the best of the old, and the best of the new while still remaining open to new waves of innovation sent to the church by the Holy Spirit of God – all for the sake of Christian mission (Psalm 146-150, Acts 2:1-42).
    4. Following Jesus is a growing experience. We can’t outgrow our Christian faith. As modern-day disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to move from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity (Philippians 3:13-14, Ephesians 4:12-14). For this reason, we strive to bring people into an ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ toward the goal of full-bodied discipleship (Matthew 28:19). As we grow in faith, we turn our hearts to God, giving of ourselves and our resources – freely and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).
    5. We are one body, united in Jesus Christ. We are a church of individuals, different in many ways, yet called together by God to be one in ministry and mission. Sermons and teachings are centered on the Bible, with Biblical insights and life lessons, rather than on partisan politics. As members of the same body, we become more effective when we work in harmony as a unified whole (John 17:20-23). Among us, love for one another is the norm (John 13:34, Romans 13:8), conflicts are resolved according to the teaching of Jesus (Matthew 18:15-17), and we seek to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We rejoice together, and we suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:25-27). 

HISTORY & CURRENT STATUS

Zion Lutheran Church was started in Redmond, Oregon in 1949. Over the past 75 years, Zion has seen significant changes in both the size of its congregation and the physical church campus. Once the current Sanctuary was expanded in 2003, Zion started a pattern of growth that continues to this day. The first sanctuary was an A-frame structure that served the congregational needs for over fifty years. The congregation eventually outgrew the A-frame structure resulting in the construction of the current sanctuary, which has been in use for over 23 years. The current campus includes offices, two houses onn the property for Sunday School and Youth, a playground, parking, a Nursery and dedicated meeting areas. Zion continues to be a dynamic place that is open to changing as the needs of the community change without compromising the promise of Jesus Christ.

Today, Zion continues to grow worship attendance and participation. In the last three to five years, our largest growth has been in younger families. The Kids and Students Ministries have grown as has our staff with the addition of part time Youth Director and Volunteer Co-ordinator. The last few years have brought much change in leadership, programs, and support staff. An on-line ministry was started when the Covid pandemic began. It has expanded to include a online video on demand of Sermon series, The addition of the Zion Youth Center, which provides a facilities for our Youth to gather for various weekly activities.

The current average weekend attendance is 200 people for Sunday Services and online services of 75 average views. Zion has a ROKU channel for extended campus services at Retirement facilities. There is a fluctuation in attendance with our highest on-campus attendance during the season (January – April) and lowest attendance during the summer months due to the increased population of people who choose to live in the area during the winter and early spring months.

At Zion, our vision is to share the free and unmerited love of God in Christ Jesus. This is accomplished through dynamic worship and community impact. Zion tries to be a community presence through events such as our Annual Classic Car Show or Treat which attracts people from the community as well as our service programs like Jerico Road meals and Osasis homeless shelter. Our goal is to be a center where people can gather to be sent out and serve as Jesus served.

Hope is growing, positive, and vibrant.

THEOLOGICAL DISTINCTIVES

Zion Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

The key doctrinal and theological beliefs where alignment is essential are: Zion confesses the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, in our preaching and teaching the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.

Zion’s teaching, or theology serves the proclamation and ministry of this faith through grace. It does not have an answer for all questions, not even all religious questions. Teaching or theology prepares members to be witnesses in speech and in action of God’s rich mercy in Jesus Christ.

Zion’s Confession of Faith identifies the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments; the Apostles’, Nicene and Athanasian Creeds; and the Lutheran confessional writings in the Book of Concord as the basis for our teaching. This Confession of Faith is more than just words in an official document. Throughout the week Zion’s people continue to live by faith, serving others freely and generously in all that they do because they trust God’s promise in the Gospel. In small groups and at sick beds, in private devotions and in daily work, this faith saturates all of life.

We’re working at building a community that follows His way of life, a way that models love demonstrated through inclusion. At Zion, followers of Jesus are fully included in all aspects of the life, leadership, and sacraments of the church regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We think the truth about life just may be love and love just may be the way.

LOCATION & DEMOGRAPHICS

Redmond is a charming town in the heart of Central Oregon with a unique vibe that appeals to tourists from around the country. Popularly known as “the hub of Central Oregon,” Redmond does not disappoint with a raft of fun adventures, festivals, and fairs, and a friendly community waiting to welcome visitors with open arms.
Perched on a high desert plateau, the city is punctuated with scenic landscapes, popular with ardent adventurers looking to explore summer outdoor activities. But Redmond is also loved by those who prefer to keep the fun indoors. The vibrant downtown corridor is rife with chic shopping destinations, cozy coffee shops, specialty restaurants, and craft breweries.
In a nutshell, Redmond has something for everyone hungry for a taste of Central Oregon.

Redmond welcomes tourists all year round with four seasons of fun things to do. However, the best time to visit is between June and September when the weather is warm and perfect for exploring the outdoor attractions.
Redmond is a growing city with a population of approximately 35,000. Its friendly and receptive community embodies a small-town feel many first-timers in Redmond appreciate. However, it gets livelier in the downtown area, a hub for quaint boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and excellent craft breweries and cideries.
The city’s location on a high desert plateau gives it a flat inclination suitable for walkers. With a walk score of 95, tourists will be comfortable discovering the many open spaces on foot. But they can always hop on a bike to explore the trails on the Dry Canyon.
Redmond is also a haven for outdoor lovers; multiple parks and gardens running north to south of the city allow guests to enjoy its natural beauty in a calm and quiet setting. But for something more adventurous, travelers can try rock climbing, hiking, and cave exploration.
Since Redmond took the initiative to revamp its iconic downtown district, a new generation of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and breweries came calling in droves, turning the area into a culinary hub.
Today, tourists throng the downtown corridor to sample everything from Mexican and Italian to Asian and local American cuisines. There is no better place to explore Redmond’s dining scene, boasting some of the best restaurants in Oregon.

Redmond is home to more than 20 parks, but Smith Rock State Park is the most iconic. Considered among the “Seven Wonders of Oregon,” the park is famous around the country for its rock-climbing adventures. Tourists can access more than 2000 routes at Smith Rock, offering different difficulty levels.
Travelers in Redmond during the cold season don’t have to stay confined all the time indoors. They can always step out for some winter fun activities. The paths that tourists hike during the dry season are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing on the white trails.
Redmond has an impressive network of bike lanes on its streets that lead to the downtown district, parks, restaurants, and off-road bike trails, offering easy access to neighborhoods and other attractions. The cycling community is slowly but surely growing as Redmond becomes a more bike-friendly city.
Q: What is there to do in Redmond, Oregon in the winter?
Redmond is more famous for its summer attractions, but don’t overlook it’s fun winter activities. There are plenty of things guests can do in the snow. The various hiking trails and open spaces that tourists enjoy in the dry season are ideal for skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling during winter. The waterfalls also look beautiful in the winter and make for a nice sightseeing pastime. Guests can also have fun at the Oregon Winterfest or skate at Redmond’s Ice-Skating Rink downtown.
Q: Is Redmond a good place to live?
Redmond is a nice residential city, especially for those who like to be one with nature. The small and friendly community offers a welcoming and neighborly vibe of a small town. But heading downtown presents the big city feeling one may long for every once in a while. Furthermore, it’s also less expensive than its neighboring city, Bend.
Q: Does it snow in Redmond?
Redmond experiences an average precipitation of approximately 3.22 inches, comprising 16 days of snow and 22 days of rain annually. December is the snowiest month, and guests can expect about 4 to 5 days of snow, so remember to pack enough warm clothing.

LEADERSHIP

The Senior Pastor serves as the chief of staff for the staff team at Hope and is accountable to the Church Council. The next Senior Pastor will work with a vibrant and fun-loving staff specifically in the areas of worship, congregational care, and shared ministry. She or he will help the church continue to grow worship attendance and participation with an emphasis on Biblical preaching, leading liturgy, and serving the community with joy, laughter, and spiritual maturity.

Current staff members and pastors come from both inside and outside the Lutheran tradition bringing their unique experiences and points of view to the growing ministry of Hope.

The current org chart below for the interim period gives a picture of the robust staff team that the Senior Pastor serves alongside.

click to zoom-unzoom

THE CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY

This is a great opportunity for an innovative pastor who has an appreciation for the Lutheran tradition, a desire for and understanding of church growth and the flexibility to try new ideas that may not always be typical in a Lutheran context.

Some of the upcoming challenges that you'll have the opportunity to lead through include:

CONTINUED GROWTH WITH A LIMITED PHYSICAL FOOTPRINT

While the physical size of future building expansion and parking expansion is limited, the church continues to grow in this season. The next pastor will need to help lead innovative thinking for how the church would continue to grow and grow its ministries despite the limited physical footprint.

CARING FOR BOTH THE TRADITIONAL LUTHERAN EXPERIENCE AS WELL AS THE MODERN OUTREACH

Hope desires to continue to see significant growth in Kids and Student Ministries, while also continuing to reach a broader group of people from outside the Lutheran tradition, and sustain a strong Online Campus community. All of this while also recognizing that the traditional Lutheran experience continues to be a vibrant part of the church alongside the growing Modern experience. The next Senior Pastor will need to continue the visionary work of being able to have a vision for both forms of outreach and church growth and ensuring that both expressions see themselves as vital parts of the life of the church.

SENIOR PASTOR POSITION PROFILE

REPORTS TO: Church Council

SUMMARY:

Hope is a place where Jesus is life, the rest are just details. For this reason, we are seeking a Senior Pastor to work with us to share the unmerited love of Christ with the community and world. Hope has experienced significant growth in recent years and is both excited and challenged by the opportunity to continue to reach more people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our Senior Pastor will work with a vibrant and fun-loving staff specifically in the areas of worship, congregational care, and shared ministry. This includes an emphasis on Biblical preaching, leading liturgy, and serving the community with joy, laughter, and spiritual maturity. All of this can be done amongst the beauty of the Coachella Valley.

QUALIFICATIONS / CHARACTERISTICS

• Effective communicator and teacher
• Skilled in planning and leading programs
• Demonstrated skills as an administrator of a team and a sizable budget
• Able to share leadership and work collaboratively as a team
• Ability to learn and innovate new and creative ways of doing ministry with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Able to connect with a diverse congregation (diverse in socio-economics, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, political viewpoints)
• Connects well in the broader community and has a bent towards caring for those outside the church
• Doesn't take themselves too seriously, and has a great sense of humor
• A Master's Degree is required
• Current ELCA ordination is not required, but the new Senior Pastor will need to become rostered with the ELCA if they are not currently

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE FIRST YEAR:

• Leadership
  • Offer primary leadership in a collaborative environment with the current pastoral leadership team. In order to facilitate collaborative teamwork the senior pastor wil be expected to do a CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) Assessment and work intentionally through the window of his/her strengths and the intersection of those with the strengths of other pastoral leadership team members and staff.
• Intentionally lead staff and congregation to instill our values across all ministries and both service styles of the church
  • The desired outcome of this intentionality is to keep the entire church moving the same direction by instilling in all attendees that regardless of worship methods, services attended, or ministries engaged in, that the entire body of Hope is one church body.
• Traditional Worship
  • Plan and execute (in partnership with other pastors, Director of Music, and Choir Director) the weekly Traditional Worship services. Preach and administer the sacraments during Sunday services and midweek services during the season of Lent.
• Modern Worship
  • Be a regular presence in the Modern Worship service. This presence could be reflected in multiple ways such as preaching, administering communion, or doing announcements. Any of these methods would be done in coordination with the pastor of the Modern service who is responsible for the planning and execution of those services.
• Equipping
  • Equipping the congregation for ministry both inside and outside of the church. This could include methodologies such as leading bible studies, teaching classes, training events, or planning seminars with guest speakers.

Salary range: $100k-$150k plus a housing allowance and benefits