Lead Pastor

Ceres Valley View Church of the Nazarene is a welcoming, multi-generational congregation located in the heart of California’s Central Valley. Situated in Ceres—just south of Modesto—the church serves a diverse and growing community with a strong agricultural heritage and increasing cultural richness. The congregation is made up of just under 100 people, fostering a close-knit, relational environment.

Ceres Valley View is a community of grace committed to following Jesus Christ through worship, discipleship, and mission. The church offers ministries for children, youth, and adults, with a desire to reach individuals and families across all stages of life. Reflecting the diversity of its surrounding community, the church embraces bilingual ministry opportunities, engaging both English- and Spanish-speaking individuals and families. The congregation demonstrates a caring spirit and a genuine heart for serving its neighborhood and surrounding region.

The church building sits on five acres of property and is fully paid off, providing both stability and opportunity for expanded ministry, community engagement, and future growth.

The Central Valley provides a unique ministry context—marked by both opportunity and need. The area includes a blend of long-time residents and newer families, offering meaningful potential for outreach, community engagement, and church growth. With its proximity to larger cities while retaining a close-knit community feel, Ceres is an ideal place for relational, community-centered ministry.

Ceres Valley View Church of the Nazarene is poised for its next season of leadership and ministry, with a desire to continue building a healthy, Christ-centered, and community-engaged church.

For more information about the church, please visit:
https://ceresnaz.churchtrac.com

Ceres Valley View Church of the Nazarene is seeking a full-time Lead Pastor to provide spiritual, pastoral, and organizational leadership to the congregation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide Christ-centered preaching and teaching that is biblically grounded and relevant to daily life
• Lead the congregation in vision, mission, and strategic direction in alignment with the Church of the Nazarene
• Shepherd and care for the congregation through pastoral visitation, counseling, and relational presence
• Equip and develop lay leaders and ministry teams for effective service and discipleship
• Oversee and support existing ministries (children, youth, and adult) while encouraging growth and new initiatives
• Engage the local community through outreach, evangelism, and relational ministry
• Foster a spirit of unity, grace, and spiritual growth within a multi-generational and diverse congregation
• Collaborate with church leadership (church board and ministry leaders) in administration and governance

Qualifications and Characteristics

• Ordained (or pursuing ordination) in the Church of the Nazarene
• Demonstrates a clear calling to pastoral ministry and a heart for shepherding people
• Strong communication skills in preaching, teaching, and interpersonal relationships
• Ability to lead in a relational, collaborative, and team-oriented environment
• A passion for discipleship, community engagement, and church growth
• Cultural awareness and openness to bilingual ministry contexts (Spanish/English a plus)
• Demonstrates integrity, humility, and spiritual maturity

Position Details

• Full-time position
• Reports to the church board
• Opportunity to lead a healthy, relational congregation with strong potential for growth and community impact