CHURCH and COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

Truckee Lutheran Presbyterian Church (TLPC) and Church of the Mountains United Methodist Church Truckee (COM)

Vision, Measures of Success, and Additional Information

Introduction

The United Methodist Church in Truckee, Church of the Mountains (COM), and the Truckee Lutheran Presbyterian Church (TLPC) share a beautiful historic church facility located in the center of Truckee, just 15 miles north of Lake Tahoe. We are looking for a full-time pastor who can serve both churches.

In a town where conservative evangelical churches dominate, COM and TLPC aspire to be an inclusive and welcoming spiritual home for people from diverse backgrounds. TLPC is a PC-USA "Mathew 25" congregation and COM is a fully affirming church.

Our two congregations are small, welcoming congregations with mostly older but active congregants. Groups of volunteers run the churches’ ministries, including community outreach in Truckee ranging from hosting Pride Week to a monthly prayer service at the local hospital's Extended/Long-Term Care Unit. We gather in prayer, Bible or book study groups, and a 'post-evangelical’ home fellowship. Volunteers are active in building renovations and worship planning, focusing on developing a music team that speaks to and includes today's younger generation. While we seek a full-time pastor who is comfortable with denominational traditions and serving the needs of long-time church members, this position offers an opportunity to grow our church in new ways through strategic and innovative outreach.

 

Strategic Mission Planning

The pastor will play a critical role in shaping the direction and culture of COM and TLPC, bringing fresh vision and innovative ideas to create a church that resonates with the spiritual needs of today’s Truckee.

The pastor will connect with individuals at various stages of their journey from long-time members to those marginalized by difficult church experiences seeking a more inclusive spirituality. Our congregations need to change to meet the needs of today's younger generations who hunger for purpose and authentic community. Alongside our pastor, we aim to develop a strategic plan to reach new people with the Good News and invite them to our welcoming and fully inclusive congregations.

Preaching / Worship

Our pastor will support our churches through preaching and worship by serving as a spiritual guide, teacher, and source of inspiration for the congregations. Sermons need to resonate with today’s audience and communicate the timeless truths of faith in an engaging and relevant way, creating a compelling reason for new people and long-time members to attend services regularly. In addition to preparing sermons for our worship, our pastor is expected to work with the worship teams to plan services.

Leadership and Equipping of Lay Leaders

A dedicated team of volunteers and an efficient administrative staff will support the new pastor. The key to success in this role is recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses and effectively delegating tasks to others. Additionally, the pastor should mentor church members to grow into leadership roles and extend the church’s reach within the community.

Engagement with the Broader Community

We are seeking to continue and develop programs that exemplify Jesus's nature by showing love and appreciation for our community and helping those in need. Truckee is a community with a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a strong sense of inclusivity. Our ideal pastor will share these values and actively participate in local events, such as Truckee’s Pride Week, which COM co-sponsored in 2024. This involvement has already brought new, younger faces to our church community, including those who do not feel comfortable joining more conservative-leaning congregations.

Current Programs

TLPC members take part in a variety of small groups. We also have a heart for missions locally, nationally, and in God’s world. We actively support/give to:

The Sierra Community House (Hunger Relief, Crisis Intervention & Prevention, Family Support & Community Engagement, Mediation & Legal Assistance)
North Tahoe Truckee Homeless Services
International Health Partners, Tanzania
Hands of Hope Zimbabwe
Youth service trips to Nicaragua and Alaska
Adult disaster trips locally and around the nation
The responsible, vigorous mission work of the Presbyterian Church USA and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in our nation and the world.
COM hosts and supports:

Community groups (Pride Week, Truckee Youth Choir, Open Mic Nights for Youth, Executive Women's Leadership Group)
Members host a thriving home fellowship that attracts people disillusioned by their church experiences and unchurched young people.
The work of the United Methodist Church in our nation and worldwide
Church and Community Profile

Congregation or Organization Size:

TLPC: Under 50

COM: Under 50

Average Worship Attendance: 15- 40

Current Sanctuary capacity/ single service 80

Community Type:

Mountain Resort Town, Population: 17,000

Intercultural Composition (Race/Ethnicity - Percent of Congregation):

White 99%

Black, Asian, Hispanic, Native Americans  1%

Language: English

Median Age: 42.3 years.

Gender Distribution: 51.3% male and 48.7% female.

Per Capita Income: $73,455.

Median Household Income: $125,995.

Poverty Rate: 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line.

Mean Travel Time to Work: 21.7 minutes.

Households: 6,693 households with an average of 2.52 persons per household.

Marital Status: 69% of households are married couples.

Housing Units: 13,747 total housing units, with a 51% vacancy rate.

Owner-Occupied Housing Rate: 77.8%.

Median Home Value: Around $1,000,000

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Solo Pastor
Location: Truckee, CA
Employment Type: Full-time
Combined Salary and Housing Allowance: $80,000 - $105,000 plus Full Benefit Package
Reports To: Church Council of the Truckee Lutheran Presbyterian Church (TLPC) and the
Leadership Team of the Church of the Mountains, United Methodist Church (COM)
Job Summary
The pastor will play a vital role in shaping the direction and culture of COM and TLPC, bringing
fresh ideas and innovative leadership to create a church that resonates with the spiritual needs
of today’s Truckee. Through inspiring preaching and meaningful worship, the pastor will serve as
a spiritual guide, teacher, and source of encouragement for the congregations. Additionally,
they will provide compassionate pastoral care, nurture long-time and new members in their
faith, equip them for leadership, and strengthen the church’s presence within the broader
community.

Key Responsibilities

• Full-time position, 40 hours/ week
• Lead weekly worship services
• Administer the sacraments
• Engage in community outreach and care
• Guide and support church growth initiatives
• Provide pastoral care and support
• Equip and mentor lay leaders
• Lead small groups in alignment with personal gifts
• Collaborate closely with the Church Council (TLPC) and Leadership Team (COM) in planning and communication
• Work alongside paid staff to ensure the completion of all administrative responsibilities for both churches

Qualifications and Experience
Required:

• Ordained pastor or eligible for ordination
• Seminary degree
• Ideally at least 2-5 years of experience in a lead pastoral role
• Strong preaching and worship leadership skills
• Proven ability to engage and connect with people of diverse backgrounds, including those with little or no church experience
• Experience equipping and mentoring lay leaders
• Ability to provide pastoral care across generations

Preferred:

• Experience in leading churches through transition, fostering renewal while honoring traditions
• Background in church revitalization, church planting, or innovative ministry models
• Experience in community outreach and developing partnerships beyond the church walls
• Strong administrative and organizational skills to lead both spiritual and operational aspects of the church

Skills and Competencies

• Visionary Leadership – Ability to cast and implement a compelling vision for renewal and growth.
• Discipleship & Spiritual Formation – Commitment to cultivating deep faith through mentoring, teaching, and small groups.
• Community Engagement & Missional Mindset – Passion for connecting the church with the broader community and addressing real-world needs.
• Adaptability & Innovation – Creative problem-solving and willingness to try new worship, outreach, and leadership approaches.
• Pastoral Care & Shepherding – Sensitivity to the emotional and spiritual needs of an aging congregation while also engaging younger generations.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – Ability to lead with energy and initiative, like a church planter, to foster a vibrant, growing faith community.

Work Environment and Benefits

• Required to live in Truckee
• Church office provided
• Presence at church 10-20 hours per week
• Housing allowance, health insurance, PTO (paid time off), retirement benefits

Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our church organizations. We do not discriminate based on race, gender identity, disability, age, or other protected status. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Application Process
To apply, submit your resume, a cover letter, and links to 3 sermons via email to Jeff Rowe, TLPC
Council Chair [email protected]

Website

www.tlpc.org