Valley Presbyterian Church

Senior Pastor

Paradise Valley, Arizona

Why I Love This Opportunity

Chris Lawson

Associate

Slingshot Group is honored to partner with Valley Presbyterian Church in this important season of leadership transition. VPC is a remarkable congregation with a legacy of biblical faithfulness, gospel-centered worship, and deep community engagement in one of the nation’s most vibrant cities. This search is especially exciting because the church is poised to build on a strong foundation while embracing fresh opportunities to reach younger families, strengthen discipleship, and expand its impact locally and globally.

We believe God has prepared just the right pastor to lead Valley into a new era of flourishing ministry, and we are eager to help connect that leader with this extraordinary church.

About This Organization

Valley Presbyterian Church was formally organized on March 18, 1956, becoming the first Presbyterian church in Scottsdale. Under the leadership of its founding pastor, Rev. Herbert Landes, the congregation grew to over 700 members within two years, demonstrating clearly the need for just this kind of church in this place. In 1963, VPC founded Valley Day School, signaling its enduring commitment to Christian education. In 2019, VPC launched the A New Heart for the Valley capital campaign, which remodeled the Sanctuary and south campus to include the vibrant Awaken Café—a space that now fosters fellowship between attendees of the church’s two distinct services and to families from the surrounding neighborhood. It has been noted as one of the best coffee spots in the whole of Scottsdale.

In August 2024, VPC transitioned to the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO), reflecting common commitments from among its congregants as well as an attractive, Christ-centered alternative to so many other options. We’re proud of our association with ECO.
Today, VPC is a thriving, multigenerational community of 1,384 members. With deep roots in Biblical teaching, Christ-centered worship, and a rich musical tradition, the church offers two Sunday services: A traditional 9:00am service featuring a 40-member Chancel Choir and worldclass organ, and a contemporary 10:30am service led by a full worship band. Importantly, both services receive the same sermon from the same pastor each week. The key difference between these services is the music.

VPC has long been a pillar of faith and outreach in the Paradise Valley and Scottsdale communities, with a reputation for outstanding pastors and preachers. VPC offers ministries ranging from children and youth programs, Stephen Ministry, mental health support, and global partnerships like Villages in Partnership in Malawi and local ministries reaching into the city with organizations like Mentor Kids and Family Promise.

The church is known for generational faithfulness, deep relationships, and a humble spirit—even amid the gifts and resources of an exceedingly talented congregation. VPC continues to balance stability and innovation, seeking to grow among younger families while still honoring its legacy of meaningful, reverent worship for all ages.

Position Description

Valley Presbyterian Church is prayerfully seeking a Lead Pastor to preach, teach, and shepherd the people of God. This ordained position will lead in the development and implementation of a Christ-centered vision, combined with strategic leadership that will equip the church to live out its mission of becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus and pursuing His transforming work in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, greater Phoenix, and the world.

Key Responsibilities:

Biblical Preaching & Teaching: Proclaims God’s Word through expository preaching that faithfully communicates the whole counsel of Scripture. Ensures that preaching and teaching across ministries consistently point to the gospel, fostering spiritual growth and maturity throughout the congregation. This is one of the keys to this position.
Strategic Leadership & Implementation: Cultivates a vision for the future of Valley Presbyterian, leveraging current strengths and building on opportunities. Brings forth an innovative growth mindset to take Valley Presbyterian to the next level of growth, creating exponential impact for Jesus. Partners with the staff and congregation to bring the vision to reality.
Worship Leadership & Coordination: Leads and oversees the planning of worship services in collaboration with pastors, musicians, and other worship leaders. Ensures that all worship gatherings are biblically grounded, Christ-centered, and spiritually meaningful for the congregation. Worship is at the heart of why people come of VPC.
Spiritual Leadership & Governance: Serves as Moderator of the Session, providing spiritual leadership, vision, and direction for the church’s governing body. Works with elders to ensure that decisions, policies, and priorities align with Scripture and the mission of Valley Presbyterian Church.
Staff & Leadership Development: Builds and nurtures a culture of team-based ministry by equipping, encouraging, and supporting staff, elders, and ministry leaders. Invests in their spiritual growth, leadership capacity, professional growth, and effectiveness in service.
Congregational & Pastoral Care: Shepherds the congregation with prayer, presence, and pastoral care. Provides encouragement, counsel, and discipleship to individuals and families while ensuring that care is extended throughout the body of Christ.

What a Strong Candidate Would Look Like:

A Deep Love for Jesus and a Gospel-Centered Life: The candidate will model a vibrant walk with Christ. Their life will reflect humility, holiness, and joyful obedience to God’s Word, grounded in prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Their love for Jesus will be evident in both their personal integrity and their public ministry. They will model for the people a vibrant, disciplined practice for spiritual growth, including fervent study of the Scriptures, prayer and mediation, and openness in solitude and silence for the daily presence of God. Out of this centered, grounded life, they will spread the joy of Christ into the whole church community and beyond.
Biblical Faithfulness & Gospel-Driven Preaching: The candidate will be a gifted communicator who faithfully proclaims the truth of Scripture through clear, expository preaching. Their teaching will consistently point to the redeeming work of Christ, making theological truth both understandable and applicable for people at every age and stage of spiritual growth.
Relational Warmth & A Shepherd’s Heart: The candidate will embody Christlike love, combining grace and truth in relationships. They will listen well, encourage generously, and shepherd the congregation with compassion. With a pastor’s heart, they will nurture spiritual and emotional health while discipling others in the context of authentic community.
Alignment with Valley Presbyterian’s Mission & Vision: The successful candidate will embrace Valley Presbyterian’s calling to live out the gospel in the heart of Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and beyond. They will lead the congregation in pursuing God’s mission both locally and globally, fostering a culture of discipleship, service, and outreach that reflects VPC’s vision to be a community rooted in Christ and reaching the world with His love.
Collaborative Leadership & Team-Based Ministry: VPC is blessed with gifted staff, elders, and lay leaders. The Lead Pastor will cultivate unity, creativity, and shared ownership of ministry by working collaboratively with others. They will encourage and develop the unique gifts of the congregation, equipping the church to grow in both faith and service.
Training, Credentials & Pastoral Experience The ideal candidate will hold an MDiv (or equivalent theological training) from an accredited seminary and be ordained, or ordainable, in alignment with our denominational commitments. Preference will be given to candidates with post-seminary training or education. They will bring a proven record of pastoral leadership, strategic organizational leadership, demonstrating a history of faithful, gospel-centered ministry.