Connections Pastor

River Valley Church•Shakopee, MN

About The Position

The Connections Pastor builds, manages, and grows connection-specific programming and participation at the Shakopee Campus. The role leads high-capacity volunteers, new attendees, and prospective Dream Team members, and champions the campus-level implementation of River Valley Church’s connection strategies. The position oversees campus connection programs, including Small Groups, Dream Teams, Serve Our Community, Welcome Home groups, and guest services. It works with campus and central staff to grow participation, develop volunteer leaders and coaches, and implement connection strategies across campuses. The role also manages related administrative operations, communications, registrations, database tracking, event logistics, and ministry spending. The Connections Pastor builds relationships with campus deacons, coaches, leaders, and ministry participants; trains and supports coaches; and serves in lobby and team areas to connect with and encourage volunteers. If a licensed pastor, the role may also assist with pastoral care, counseling, weddings, funerals, and other services as needed.

Requirements

Proven ability to lead leaders.
Strong interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to listen attentively and communicate with empathy.
Qualified candidates should have ministerial credentials or be working toward obtaining credentials.
Preferred candidates should have 3–5 years of related experience.

Nice To Haves

Strong administrative skills, including experience with G-suite and database software.
A bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university in a ministry-related field.
Pastoral license.
Credentials with the Assemblies of God.
At least 3–5 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

Champion and manage the campus-level expression of all Central Connection strategies.
Lead campus connection programs, including Small Groups, Dream Teams, Serve Our Community (based on campus need), Welcome Home groups, and guest services.
Identify, recruit, and develop Small Group and Dream Team leaders and coaches.
Work with campus staff to grow involvement in connection programs and community service projects or events.
Encourage Small Group and Dream Team ownership of local Serve Our Community projects.
Promote Welcome Home group involvement among guests and disengaged attenders.
Manage Welcome Center resources, Dream Team training, and Guest Services operations.
Ensure administrative elements of Connection ministries are completed in a timely manner.
Ensure weekend connect-card follow-up and requests are addressed.
Monitor and respond to Connections-related emails and phone calls, as applicable.
Assist with ministry communications, calendar appointments, volunteer meeting and training schedules, and event logistics, including room reservations and refreshments.
Maintain the church database for tracking connection-related participation and manage ministry-specific event registrations.
Track ministry spending against budget, including reimbursements, check requests, purchase orders, receipts, and ministry expenditures.
Demonstrate leadership among campus teams, volunteers, and the Connections team.
Build relationships with campus deacons, coaches, leaders, Small Group members, and Dream Team members.
Train and care for Small Group and Dream Team coaches so they develop and coach other leaders.
Serve in lobby and team areas before, after, and occasionally during services, connecting with and encouraging Dream Team members, leaders, and coaches.
Work with central staff to strategize and implement connection strategies across River Valley Church campuses.
Provide feedback to the Central Connections team on proposed strategies and help communicate ministry needs, resources, challenges, and successes to and from Central Ministries.
Work with the Central Connections team on curriculum improvements, marketing efforts, and Welcome Home attendance reporting for applicable programs.
If a licensed pastor, assist with campus pastoral-care needs and rotate as the pastoral point of contact for walk-in requests.
Attend to pastoral-care and counseling needs as directed, and perform weddings, funerals, and other services as needed.