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Job Openings
Worship Leader and/or Choir/Bell Choir Director
Desert Cross Lutheran Church & Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church - Gilbert, AZ
We are two congregations meeting in one location that are welcoming and affirming of all people. Desert Cross Lutheran Church and Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church (SOJ) are progressive Christian Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – ELCA, whose mission is to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world while empowering people to effectively love and serve others through community service, inclusivity, and social justice in or community.
The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, a passion for the ministry of the church, and a clear understanding that they are an integral part of the mission and success of the church. They will also have a proven history of exemplary hospitality, a friendly outgoing personality, be caring, creative, and have excellent written and oral communication skills. It is essential that the candidate be highly organized, possess leadership skills, be creative, worshipful, and have a demonstrated record of working successfully with others. Finally, this role will assist both parishes in their weekly worship gatherings. If you are passionate about music, love to work with people, enjoy helping others express their faith through music, and want to make a positive impact in our community/world, then this might be a great opportunity for you!
Click here for the full Job description, required qualifications, and benefits:
Worship Leader and/or Choir/Bell Choir Director
I joined Desert Cross as Associate Pastor in January of 2021. I come from a family of farmers in Northern Illinois. I graduated from Valparaiso University in 2005 and then enrolled at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio where I received my Master of Divinity in 2009. My first call was as Associate Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Reynoldsburg, Ohio for five years, and then I served at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania for six years. My wife, Laura, and I have two children, Lincoln and Everett.
I root for the Green Bay Packers in the winter and the Chicago Cubs in the summer. I like to read novels, listen to podcasts, and hike with my family in my spare time. I am passionate about creating community in the midst of an ever-fragmented culture.
Fun fact: Thanks to my fifth-grade music teacher, I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order in about 15 seconds.
Meet Our Team
Doug Bjotvedt - Director of Operations & Property
480-730-8600 ext. 103
dbjotvedt@desertcross.org
Dawn Collins - Office Manager
480-730-8600
dcollins@desertcross.org
Daniel Decker - Director of Worship & Music Ministries
480-730-8600 ext. 108
ddecker@desertcross.org
Shannon Fossett - Director of Children's Ministries
480-730-8600 ext. 115
sfossett@desertcross.org
Denise McClellan - Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
480-730-8600 ext. 116
dmcclellan@desertcross.org
Natalie Smith - Children's Ministry Assistant
nsmith@desertcross.org
Christine Soll - Worship Associate
csoll@desertcross.org
Joni Van Rossum - Director of Media Production
jvanrossum@desertcross.org
Denise Viker, RN - Parish Nurse
480-730-8600 ext. 122
dviker@desertcross.org
Katelyn Williamson - Director of Youth & Family Ministries
kwilliamson@desertcross.org
Meet Our Council
The church council meets the third Monday of every month. If you have a question or concern and you are unable to speak with one of the representatives in person or over the phone, you can contact the council via email at council@desertcross.org.
Meet Our Chamber
The Gilbert chamber meets the second Tuesday of every month. If you have a question or concern, please contact one of the representatives.
Glen Gabrielson - Finance & Stewardship
Adam Pfau - Church Council Member
Rosemary Schlechty - Education
Joe Weingartz - Facilities
Nancy Zine - Worship
Gilbert Chamber Minutes available here.
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Desert Cross Tempe Campus (Main Office)
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Desert Cross Gilbert Campus
Office Hours
Contact
