Associate Pastor

Job Description

Job Description

The Organization:

New Denver Church is a contemplative, justice-oriented faith community rooted in the way of Jesus, seeking to cultivate spiritual formation, meaningful community, and faithful presence in the city. With a deep commitment to wholeness, healing, and mission, NDC creates space for individuals to grow spiritually while actively engaging the needs of the world around them.

The church is marked by a thoughtful theological ethos, a steady and unhurried pace, and a strong emphasis on relational discipleship. As a growing community, NDC values leaders who are grounded, self-aware, and able to hold tension with grace while guiding others toward deeper faith and connection.

The Position:

New Denver Church is seeking a part-time Associate Pastor (24–28 hours/week) to join its pastoral team and help shepherd the life of the community. This individual will play a key role in providing pastoral care, fostering discipleship, and leading meaningful gatherings and events.

This pastor will complement the existing team by bringing a distinct yet aligned presence—someone who leads from the heart with wisdom, humility, and emotional intelligence. The role is deeply relational, requiring a steady, grounded leader who can connect meaningfully with individuals, particularly men and newcomers, while contributing to the broader spiritual life of the church.

Responsibilities:

• Shepherding & Pastoral Care
• Build relationships with visitors and newcomers, helping them meaningfully connect into the life of the church
• Provide pastoral care and discipleship, with a focus on men’s ministry
• Meet one-on-one with members of the community for support, guidance, and spiritual formation
• Lead a Discipleship Group and contribute to the development of spiritual formation pathways
• Events & Community Engagement
• Plan and lead key community events including men’s retreats, backpacking trips, contemplative retreats, and workshops
• Facilitate “Discovering NDC” gatherings and new member integration experiences
• Support mission and justice initiatives, including partnership trips (e.g., Guatemala)
• General Pastoral Presence
• Be a visible and relational presence on Sundays, engaging with the community and leading liturgical elements
• Preach or teach periodically throughout the year
• Officiate weddings and funerals as needed
• Provide ongoing pastoral counseling and care
• Administrative & Team Support
• Assist with general administrative tasks, communication, and coordination
• Maintain timely communication (email, database updates, planning tools)
• Support staff and key volunteers in executing ministry initiatives

Qualifications:

• Character & Spiritual Formation
• Demonstrates integrity, humility, and spiritual maturity consistent with biblical leadership (e.g., 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, 1 Peter 5)
• Self-aware and reflective, with an understanding of personal strengths, limitations, and growth areas
• Aligned with the mission, vision, values, and theological ethos of New Denver Church
• Core Competencies
• Warm, relational, and people-oriented with a genuine care for others’ growth and well-being
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to listen, discern, and respond thoughtfully
• Collaborative team player who empowers others and contributes to a healthy staff culture
• Strong communicator, comfortable leading both individuals and groups
• Able to plan and execute events with a solid level of organization and follow-through
• Experience & Skills
• Master’s level seminary education strongly preferred
• Previous experience in local church or parachurch ministry
• Clear sense of vocational calling to pastoral ministry
• Comfortable using Mac systems, Google Workspace, and tools such as Planning Center
• Additional Expectations
• Ability to work at least 16 hours/week in person (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sunday mornings)
• Active participation in the life of the church community
• Willingness to meet current NDC membership and leadership commitments

Salary + Benefits:

• Commensurate salary based on experience; Part-time role (24–28 hours/week)
• Opportunity to contribute meaningfully within a spiritually grounded, relationally rich community
• Flexible work structure with a blend of in-person and remote work
• Environment that encourages spiritual health, Sabbath rhythms, and ongoing personal formation

#INDM