MINISTER SEARCH
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!"
Romans 10:11-15
Our small church in our Colorado mountain community has been praying that you that might be called to be our next minister.
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If you have landed here, we pray that you will be bold and reach out. It might be you who is called to minister to us as we do our work for our Lord.
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We have put this page together to help answer some of your questions about us and to help you navigate our application process. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the chair of our search team, Brian Brown. His contact information is at the bottom of this page.
OUR COMMUNITY
The town of Poncha Springs is called the crossroads of the Rockies because of its location at the intersection of two transcontinental highways, US 50 and US 285. Although it has a population of just under 1000, Poncha Springs has been recognized as the fastest growing municipality in the state of Colorado. It is projected to more than double over the next five years.
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Poncha Springs is situated four miles west of the city of Salida, which boasts the largest historical district in the state. Downtown Salida features a creative arts district, a concert venue, festivals, and an event center. Salida is served by Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, a full service hospital and one of only three critical access hospitals in the state.
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The Salida School District hosts approximately 1,300 students in three new facilities; the district has consistently been rated "Accredited with Distinction". Also available are an Early Childhood center, day care providers, a Montessori school, and a satellite facility of Colorado Mountain College.
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Chaffee County has a population of over 19,000 residents and draws visitors from all over the country. It is a tourist destination with close access to mountain biking and hiking trails, a river walk, Monarch ski resort, cross country skiing, and hunting. It is also the headwaters of the Arkansas River, making it a highly desirable spot for fishing, rafting, and kayaking.
OUR CONGREGATION
Poncha Springs Church of Christ exists to participate with God in making and maturing disciples of Jesus.
PICNIC IN THE PARK
Each Thursday evening, we host a free community picnic at a nearby park. This program has helped us connect with our neighbors and build a positive reputation. We have enjoyed more success with this ministry than any other we have tried.
Unfortunately, Picnic in the Park has been suspended during the pandemic and its vitality post-COVID is yet to be seen.
SMALL GROUPS
We have two small groups which meet on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Although these groups have been suspended during the pandemic, the core group in each is strong. The groups have different structures, emphases, and goals.
Approximately three years ago, we decided not to have a traditional Wednesday night service at the building and instead to transition to a second small group. The size of the group has fluctuated, but it has generally confirmed the decision to move to a small group format.
CHRISTMAS BOXES
Each December, we supply pantries full of groceries to families in need. We are blessed to help roughly a dozen families with staple items, fresh produce, and toiletries.
This supplements our year-round benevolence ministry, which helps members of our community get shelter, food, gas, and work.
MISSIONS SUPPORT
Our congregation sponsors the missionary work of Jim and Judy Taylor in Mazatlan, Mexico, pictured here purchasing groceries for families in need.
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We also financially support Mountain States Children's Home in Longmont, Colorado. MSCH is a facility associated with Churches of Christ which works with at-risk teenagers.
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Additionally, we support the Salida Pregnancy Resource Center here in Salida. SPRC is a non-profit organization that helps expectant and new mothers.
Links to the Children's Home and the Pregnancy Center can be found at the end of this section.
HISTORY OF THE BUILDING
1974 – The original building was opened
1997 – The building was expanded, increasing auditorium space, adding three classrooms, a kitchen, and relocating the restrooms
2017 – Severe water damage prompted the renovation of approximately 80% of the building
2018 – The Den, a multi-functional space, was added in the southeast corner
2019 – The playground and courtyard were built; parking lot was paved
STATISTICS
– Maximum auditorium capacity = 120
– 3 classrooms, plus the Den
– Office, storage, and resource room
– Full kitchen with pantry
– Playground
– Building and parsonage are debt-free
OUR NEXT MINISTER
OUR VISION FOR OUR NEXT MINISTER
In conversation with the congregation, our elders have sought to articulate what we hope our next minister will embody as he leads us in participating with God in making and maturing disciples of Jesus.
STRONG PREACHING
The most visible aspect of our next minister's work will be his work in the pulpit. For this reason, we are looking for someone who is knowledgable in the Bible, an articulate speaker, and can lead us in contemporary responses to the Scriptures.
PEOPLE SKILLS
We are looking for a minister who is able to connect with people. This means on the one hand being able to build relationships with and disciple the members of our congregation. On the other hand, it also means demonstrating a capacity to build evangelistic relationships with people in our community.
VISIONARY PLANNING
Our community is exploding with growth, and we want to grow with it. This will require the cultivation of new leaders, new systems, and a plan to engage the community. We want to find a minister who can discern a long-term vision and develop a plan for addressing all the challenges that come along with growth.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
We want to find a minister who demonstrates some acumen for leadership. Specifically we hope to find someone who can train up a new generation of leaders and keep our leadership team moving forward.
PROJECTED TIMELINE OUR SEARCH PROCESS
Here's an overview of how we anticipate our search process unfolding. Exact dates are subject to change.
April 12 – Proposed Date for Initial Candidate Review
April 26 – Initial Candidate Selection Notification
May 2 – Poncha leadership visits candidates' churches
May 9-30 – Remaining candidates visit Poncha Springs
June – Final decision either to call a candidate or restart search process
August 1 – Proposed start date for new minister
NEXT STEPS
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions or would like to speak with Brian Brown, the chair of our screening committee, please call (719) 351-1088.
READY TO APPLY?
If you wish to be considered for this position, we ask that you please submit a cover letter, résumé, and your philosophy of ministry to one of the following addresses:
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Jim Wilson
c/o Screening Committee
220 Wood Ave
Salida, CO 81201