Senior Pastor

Vision - Mission 

New Life Purpose, Slogan, and Values 

Our purpose: “New Life Fellowship exists to nurture, strengthen and serve the people of our community in their spiritual journey to become followers of Christ.”  Our slogan: Loving God…Serving Others. 

Our values: 

• Loving everyone 
• Growing Spiritually 
• Be People of the Bible 
• Being a people of welcome and acceptance 
• Invest in and Care for Relationships 
• Serving our community 
• Being Neighbors in the Community 
• Befriending Those Without a Church Home or Relationship with Christ 
• Providing “User-friendly” worship 
• Keeping Our Religious Expression Jargon-Free 
• Honoring Personal Choices 
• Collaborating with Other Christian Ministries in the Area

Statement of Beliefs 

1. We believe in one God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who is worthy of worship. 
2. We believe God sent Jesus into the world as a man to rescue it; that He was killed by His enemies; and that He was raised from the dead.  
3. We believe that through our faith in Him, Jesus delivers us from a life of sin by His death and grants us eternal life by His resurrection. 
4. We believe in God who brought a new way of living through Jesus Christ, His Son. 
5. We believe that Jesus is the center of our faith, and that every Christian should strive to show healing, hope, and love to others in both word and deed that Jesus taught and displayed in His life. 
6. We believe that the Holy Spirit gives us power to live the life that God intended, transforms us, and equips us to serve. 
7. We believe that the Bible is inspired by God and that it is a trustworthy standard for a Christian life. 
8. We believe that God created the heavens, the earth, and the human beings in it, and that humans were made for a relationship to God, to live in peace with each other, and to take care of His creation. 
9. We believe that humans, because of the sin of Adam and Eve, are naturally born to a life of sin but that God offers us a new way of living through Jesus. 
10. We believe that the church exists to provide a place of safety and belonging, a place where a community of believers can support, nurture, strengthen, serve, and encourage one another on their spiritual journey. 
11. We believe that the past, present, and future are secure in God’s hands. 

New Life's (Short) History 

Many of the people responsible for planting New Life Fellowship originally came from Warden Mennonite Church.  The Mennonite church was in a community about 30 minutes away from where many of the attendees lived, and had declined significantly.  After much discussion, consultation, and prayer, 6 families separated amiably.   These families had a vision to start a new church in a new location, with a vision to “do church a little differently”.  The goal was to create a non-denominational church based on Christian beliefs that welcomed those who had never been in church, or who had been in church but for various reasons, stopped going to church, and just weren’t attending anymore.  There was a strong desire to create a new church in the Royal City community, which is the town where the family members lived and participated. 

In the early planning stages, this small family group continued to meet, plan, pray and discern.  Long before the first official church service ever occurred, there were a variety of other programs starting to take place.  A small group of middle school kids began to meet a couple times a month.  Then it became evident that there was a need for a weekly, after school children’s program for elementary school aged kids.  As leaders began to work with other churches already in the Royal City area, a “Bible Club” for kids K-6 was formed.  Within 2 months, 35 children were attending.  Currently, the average attendance is about 50 elementary aged kids.  The middle school youth group also began to grow as it expanded its reach to include students in grades 6-12.  There are now about 25 teens that attend youth group.   A women’s Bible study was started in the park, and within 2 months, 12 women were meeting.  Parents of some involved in the youth/children’s program began asking to meet as a church because they wanted to be involved in a church that was part of their own community.   At that point, there was a Mennonite pastor from Ohio who was available for a year to help out with a church plant.  He and his family moved to Royal City, and helped get this new church off the ground.  New Life Fellowship was formed as a community church (non-denominational), though there are strong informal ties with the Mennonite Church USA.    

New Life Begins 

The first New Life Fellowship worship service was held on December 9, 2012 with around 120 in attendance.  As in any plant, attendance varies widely from Sunday to Sunday.  The average attendance is around 50, though weekly attendance still varies greatly.  The congregation is multi-generational.  All age ranges are well represented, however it is not unusual to have 25 children, K – 6th grade. 

The weekly Sunday worship service is simple and contemporary, with charisma, but not Pentecostal. Service components include:  Praise and worship, a sermon integrated with video clips & visuals, prayer, reminders & announcements.  Services are 1 hour in length.  Interacting with each other and building relationships are very important to those at New Life, and although the Sunday service ends in an hour, people often stay around to visit and catch up with each other long after the service ends.  Fellowship is a core value of the congregation and is key to the church's current success.  

Demographics 

Church Demographic 

The existing congregation on a Sunday morning is primarily Anglo.  Approximately 10-15% of regular attendance is Hispanic.  However that number greatly increases when you look at the midweek youth activities.  There are many more Hispanic youth that participate in Bible Club and Youth Group. 

A Demographic Snapshot of Royal City  

Royal City’s population sits at 2,140 with a high percentage of the population being Hispanic.  But the community of Royal City is bigger than just the official city limits.  There is a 30 mile radius of farm land surrounding Royal City, where many other families live, and yet remain active in the community.  About 44% of the population is under the age of 19, with a median age of 22.4.  The population has grown 20% since 2000.  Over 60% of the population is employed in agriculture.  

The land surrounding Royal City (part of the Columbia Basin) is fertile and watered by the Columbia River Basin Project.  The gross income of the region comes from agriculture, including apples, cherries, blueberries, vineyards, mint oil, grain, potatoes, onions and more.  In addition, there is a significant amount of beef cattle production in the area.  This results in a stable and at times prosperous regional economy and a healthy social environment.  It also produces a need for significant labor to bring in the harvest.  As a result, large numbers of Hispanic farm laborers are attracted to the area.  Both cultures are hard-working "people of the land", who recognize that each culture depends on the other. As a result there is a peaceful and mutually respectful environment in and around Royal City.   

In addition to agriculture, approximately 14% are employed in the school system and 11% in retail.  These sectors are represented in the congregation as well. 

Only 43% of the population of Royal City has a religious affiliation.  It is likely that regular attendance at a religious service is far lower.  Of those religiously affiliated, 40% are Catholic and 18% are LDS. 

Royal City is politically and ethically balanced conservative.  The excellent school system tends to be the center of life, and Friday night football games are attended by most of the town.  Like all towns, Royal City has its challenges, including a housing shortage, immigration issues, a lack of health insurance for many residents, and community growth.  (All statistics derived from U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census; and city-data.com).   Royal City is located 2.5 hours from Seattle-Bellevue and SEATAC airport.  Moses Lake is the closest full service town, approximately 30 minute drive, and the Tri-Cities, an even larger population center is located a little over an hour away.  There are also outstanding hunting, fishing and other sports surrounding the Royal City area. The supportive community, the excellent school system, the easy access to fresh healthful meat and produce, the youthful demographic and the outdoor recreation opportunities, makes the Royal City area an excellent place to raise a family. 

Church and Ministries 

Facilities 

New Life Fellowship acquired a somewhat non-traditional meeting facility in the heart of Royal City, adjacent to the city park.  There is room to grow and the congregation has 24/7 use of the facility.  The space includes a large worship space, a game room, a nursery, classroom space and an office.  The building is located in the center of town, making it highly visible and easily accessible, contributing to growth at New Life. 

The Facilities Ministry keeps a consistent eye on maintenance requirements, addresses repairs in a timely fashion, looks to building adaptations and improvements as needed and arranges for weekly cleaning. 

Children 

The Children's ministry provides a safe environment for children to learn the Word of God through various vehicles, including simple plays, skits, songs teaching, games and crafts.  The ministries are sub-divided by age group: 

• Bible Club: Is a collaborative ministry of New Life Fellowship and Royal City Nazarene, serving children in these congregations as well as from the community at large.  The Bible Club meets most Wednesday afternoons, October - March.  This serves K-5 grade children. 
• JAM (Jesus and Me) Session: Meets every Sunday during adult worship for children age 4 through 8th grade.  Bible lessons are taught and activities provided that nurture children's faith in Jesus Christ.   
• Nursery:  Provides a care giving ministry for infants and toddlers that functions during adult worship on Sunday morning 
• Youth Group: Provides an opportunity for teenagers of Royal City to gather in a safe, non-threatening setting in order to gain a sense of belonging and to learn about themselves and the things of God.  This ministry is intentionally focused on youth from various congregations and those who are unchurched.  The ministry meets twice per month during the school year.  Dinner is provided, and crazy games and activities are planned for each session.  In addition, there is a time of Biblical teaching, usually involving a video clip, small or large group discussions, scripture search and other interactive activities.   

Finance  

The Finance Ministry counts weekly deposits and donations, pays bills and fees, executes reimbursements, keeps an accurate accounting of church funds, puts into place and follows financial accountability strategies.  In addition, the ministry makes monthly profit and loss statements available to the Decision Making Team and produces quarterly reports for the congregation.  The Finance Ministry also provides tax receipts and assures that necessary IRS and government documents are filed in a timely manner. 

Worship/Music 

The Worship Ministry leads the congregation into worship through music, primarily congregational singing.  The ministry is tasked with selecting songs that invite participation and help the congregation lift its voice to god in praise and thanksgiving during Sunday worship.  The ministry prays for direction, chooses appropriate songs to complement the overall worship theme.  The team practices on a weekly basis to provide a professional level of worship.  The ministry teaches the congregation new songs as appropriate and carefully assesses and nurtures the congregation's voice as well as the body of songs that are dearest to the congregation. 

Plugged-In 

This ministry brings the congregation together socially in order to strengthen its Christian relationships.  It provides non-threatening introductions to people not affiliated with New Life to experience New Life.  The ministry plans activities for all ages once a month.  Activities might include but not be limited to game night, sports day, movie night, etc.  Often, a pot-luck meal accompanies the activity. 

Pastoral Care and Outreach 

While is always a great deal of love shown to people in need, and our community as a whole, we recognize the importance to be intentional and have an organized ministry to primarily respond to our own church family in their time of need. 

Refreshments 

Fellowship is a core value and a central focus of New Life Fellowship.  Food makes fellowship better.  The Refreshment Ministry provides coffee, tea, cookies, snacks, sometimes coordinates pot-luck meals around Sunday worship and other congregational activities.  This is a very busy ministry and one that is greatly appreciated. 

Aesthetics Ministry 

This ministry provides beautification in the form of decoration, especially at Holiday seasons and during special events. 

Financial  

The ministries of New Life Fellowship of Royal City are funded by the offerings of the members.  The income last year was approximately $85,000.00.  The church has a viable budget and a significant percentage of church funds go directly to ministry.  

Organizational Structure and Leadership 

New Life Fellowship lives out its core values of Loving God and expressing that love by serving the community.  We seek to be a church that is inclusive of all, and empowers its members in ministry while holding ourselves gently but fully accountable to Christ and one another.  The church leadership structure reflects these values to the best of our ability. 

Church authority is invested in a board, chosen from the congregation.  The board functions on behalf of the congregation.  The board is responsible for the vision and mission of the church, and holds that in stewardship for the congregation.  The board recognizes the pastor as fellow steward of the spiritual well- being of the congregation.   

The pastor is the chief executive officer as well as the spiritual leader of the congregation.  Full operational authority is delegated to the pastor so that the ministries may fulfill the mission and vision of the church.  The board monitors the ministries too and provides accountability support for the pastor.  The pastor and board function as a team, each respectful of the necessary role provided by the other.  

Expectation of Senior Pastor 

* These expectations are aligned with New Life Fellowship's goals and purposes.  They are based around accomplishment of results not merely activities.  Pastoral evaluation criteria will be derived from these expectations. 

ROLE AND FUNCTION OF SENIOR PASTOR 

The Pastor is the spiritual leader of the congregation and is responsible for the implementation of vision, mission and congregational goals as established by the Leadership Counsel and ratified by the congregation.  The Pastor provides leadership and accountability to all Ministries and provides assurance that all is done in a way that glorifies God and avoids illegal, unethical or appropriate means.  The Pastor answers to the Leadership Counsel. 

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

New Life Fellowship embraces the core values of the Serving Leader model.  As such, all leadership is designed to call out and develop the spiritual gifts God has placed in those he is calling into fellowship. We are not looking for an "omni-competent" pastor.  We look for one who connects, equips and encourages; sets the bar high, then labors to remove obstacles and ensure that God's people experience the joy of co-ministering in the Lord. Specific areas of Pastor's responsibility include but are not limited to: 

LOVING GOD 

WORSHIP 

Praise: Meaningful worship music and drama that leads people into God's presence, provides a deepening relationship with God and transformation of the worshiper.  

Preaching and Teaching: Sermons and other forms of teaching that make the Gospel accessible to new people yet invite all to a growing maturity in faith, discipleship and mission.   

Discipleship People in various stages of maturity have a clear and inviting path to grow in grace,  knowledge, spiritual disciplines and ministry. 

Ceremonies and Rituals: Baptism, marriage, dedication, funeral and other rituals of transition bring healing and significance in the lives of individuals and families so that these occasions become opportunities for spiritual growth. 

Stewardship: A congregation that understands that blessings come from our Generous God and respond with generous lives that include supporting the mission and ministries of the church.   

PASTORAL CARE 

Shared Life (small groups): Members come to know and love one another at a heart level through loving and serving one another 

Crisis Care: Congregation cares and responds to one the needs of those in emergency situations as well as to the widow, fatherless and chronically infirm. 

SERVING OTHERS 

Congregational Ministries: Models Serving Leadership for Ministry Leaders and ensuring a high standard and spiritual vitality in all ministries of the church.  Works through others, bringing out, equipping and releasing leadership throughout the congregation. 

Community Ministries: Ensures that New Life Fellowship remains a part of the community, not a separate entity acting on the community.  Congregation remains informed and involved and seeks to be a Luke 2:52 church, "... and New Life Fellowship grew in favor with God and with the community".  This includes an inclusive relationship with other fellowships in the area. 

Peace and Justice: Congregation consistently works for justice in personal relationships as well as community through the accurate application of the Christian gospel to contemporary situations.  

SPIRITUAL/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

Pastor maintains a vibrant relationship with Christ, maintains family priorities and relationship.  In addition, we seek a pastor who lives life to the full, and is a life-long learner.  To this end, New Life expects its pastor to maintain a balanced personal and professional development program. 

Pastoral Style: The ideal candidate will be a person with a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ; well-versed in Scriptures with a clear calling from God to selflessly serve the Kingdom; of a mind to serve those who do not believe, are unchurched, and/or are poor; mature spiritually, experientially, emotionally, and relationally; experienced in pastoring; able to preach engaging, Scripture-based sermons that use technology and visuals, yet exclude personal agenda or platforms; able to reach listeners who are at different levels of spiritual understanding with special attention to new believers; genuinely interested in others; able to develop rapport with children and youth; willing to actively and meaningfully participate in the life of the Royal City community.