Overview
We dream of a day when every person in California’s Central Valley knows and takes the Good News of Jesus to their family, school and neighborhood.
Calvary Church is an innovative and growing church in Stockton and the Central Valley with a mission to help people find their way back to God and stay centered in Jesus through discipleship, community, and mission.
We’re actively searching for the person with an energetic and entrepreneurial spirit who understands the critical need to bring God’s Kingdom to every person in Stockton.
You’re the right person for this ministry if…
… you can think outside the box and go beyond Sunday programs to get to the core of Biblical discipleship.
… you are passionate about equipping people to live out their faith.
… you see yourself as a missionary with a calling to reach people.
… you are willing to take risks and not afraid to fail.
About Us
Calvary Church is located in Stockton, California in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley in Northern California. Stockton is the twelfth largest city in California with a population of 322,000 (2021).
The church is located in an established neighborhood ¼ mile from Interstate 5, the main north-south freeway through Stockton. The majority of the congregation commutes to church, with a few neighborhood congregants. It has long been the church’s mission to involve members of the immediate neighborhood in the life of the church, and the most success has been achieved within the last three years.
Average weekly attendance is 60 adults and 12 children. Children’s attendance in Sunday School has gone from zero on most weeks from 2016 to 2021 to the current 12. This tremendous growth is due to the commitment of the former Lead Pastor and staff, supported by church members and leaders. The congregation is encouraged by the addition of new families and children and supports this as a primary focus.
Calvary Church was first founded in 1898 as the Stockton Independent Church by three Japanese American missionaries. Historically a church for the Japanese American community, today we are a diverse, multi-generational community where everyone is welcome. We exist to help people find their way back to God and to reach our local community with the love of Jesus, while helping people to grow spiritually through community, discipleship and mission.
Current staff includes an administrative assistant, a custodian, and a maintenance worker. Vacant positions include a family minister and a media specialist.
Lead Pastor Activities
You will serve as the primary directional and functional leader of the church as it pursues its mission.
Serves as Head of Staff, overseeing the church staff and the day-to-day operations and having responsibility for hiring and dismissal of all staff, in conjunction with the Board.
-Leads vision casting to advance the church’s mission
-Encourages and leads the spiritual growth and health of congregants
-Provides pastoral care and counseling
-Provides leadership for increasing and encouraging new believers
-Provides leadership for increasing church membership and encouraging new members
-Plans for and supports missional involvement of the church
-Leads the church in its outreach to the community
-Actively promotes the mission and vision of Calvary Church
-Provides counsel and leadership to the Board of Deacons and Board of Directors
-Wisely leads and stewards the church’s human and financial resources
-Delivers Bible-based practical sermons that are relatable and appealing to both young and mature congregants-
-Arranges for and oversees guest preachers when absent
-Administers the sacraments of communion and baptism
-Officiates at weddings, funerals and memorial services
-Leads the planning for weekly worship, special and holiday services
-Plans for and leads Bible study groups and supports educational programs for congregants
-Serves as Moderator of the Board of Deacons
-Serves as Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Lead Pastor Characteristics
Lives out their faith and leads others to do the same
Demonstrates a wise and discerning spirit
Is a passionate worshiper of God
Seeks and promotes prayer as a priority, both personally and in the life of the church
Demonstrates compassion and heartfelt love for people with a Christ-like concern for their spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being
Seeks to equally demonstrate strength and humility
Possesses a passion for mentoring, discipleship and helping others develop their gifts
Is personable and approachable
Seeks to be involved in the community
Enjoys being in relationship with congregants and interested in the events of their lives
Actively participates in the activities and events of the church
Lead Pastor Qualifications
Is a relational communicator and leader
Demonstrates commitment to continual spiritual, professional and personal growth
Adheres to the Statement of Faith
Willing to become a member of Calvary Church
Is baptized by immersion or willing to be baptized
Must be or shall become an ordained minister in agreement with the faith and practice of Converge Worldwide or an organization to be selected by the Board and in alignment with Calvary’s Statement of Faith. Recognition and acceptance of previous ordination shall be at the discretion of the Board, so long as the Lead Pastor is in alignment with Calvary’s Statement of Faith.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
To Apply:
Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Calvary Church is located in Stockton, California in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley in Northern California. Stockton is the twelfth largest city in California with a population of 322,000 (2021).
The church is located in an established neighborhood ¼ mile from Interstate 5, the main north-south freeway through Stockton. The majority of the congregation commutes to church, with a few neighborhood congregants. It has long been the church’s mission to involve members of the immediate neighborhood in the life of the church, and the most success has been achieved within the last three years.
Average weekly attendance is 60 adults and 12 children. Children’s attendance in Sunday School has gone from zero on most weeks from 2016 to 2021 to the current 12. This tremendous growth is due to the commitment of the former Lead Pastor and staff, supported by church members and leaders. The congregation is encouraged by the addition of new families and children and supports this as a primary focus.
Calvary Church was first founded in 1898 as the Stockton Independent Church by three Japanese American missionaries. Historically a church for the Japanese American community, today we are a diverse, multi-generational community where everyone is welcome. We exist to help people find their way back to God and to reach our local community with the love of Jesus, while helping people to grow spiritually through community, discipleship and mission.
Current staff includes an administrative assistant, a custodian, and a maintenance worker. Vacant positions include a family minister and a media specialist.