lead pastoR search
Helping people find and follow Jesus
We are currently in a prayerful season of selecting the next lead pastor of Catalyst Church, located in Woodland, CA. Below you will see a snapshot of our community as well as the type of person that would be a good fit here. There is more information at the bottom in attached documents.
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We are excited to see the person God has to lead this community next and thank you for taking the time to read through and pray about this opportunity. ​
About Catalyst
Catalyst Church was founded 11 years ago when Pastor Matt, his wife Kirsten, and their three young sons moved from Southern California to Woodland to begin a new faith community.
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Catalyst Church is a vibrant, growing community with a mission to help people find and follow Jesus. From our humble beginnings, we've expanded to a downtown facility and now welcome 225 attendees across two weekend services. We're passionate about creating environments where people from all walks of life - seasoned believers and spiritual explorers alike - can take bold steps toward Jesus.
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We are excited about what God is doing and invite you to be a part of it.
About the Lead Pastor role
The future Lead Pastor will serve as the primary spiritual and directional leader of Catalyst Church. He will be responsible for preaching God’s Word, casting compelling vision, developing leaders, and guiding the church toward effective mission. He will provide strategic oversight to staff and ministries while partnering with elders and key lay leaders to ensure the church remains aligned, healthy, and positioned for continued growth.
Key Responsibilities:
The Lead Pastor will provide overall leadership for Catalyst Church, its ministries, staff culture, and long-term direction. He will be the primary communicator and vision carrier, ensuring the church executes its mission with excellence and expands its impact in the community.
What You Will Do:
Vision, Mission, and Strategy
• Work closely with elders and staff to shape, communicate, and implement a clear and compelling vision that aligns with Catalyst’s mission and values.
• Create and execute growth-focused strategies that strengthen the church's health, expand its reach, and position it for long-term impact.
• Champion a culture of mission, helping the church engage the unchurched and live out faith beyond Sunday.
Teaching & Communication
• Develop and deliver engaging, Biblically grounded sermons that inspire spiritual transformation and connect Scripture to everyday life.
• Communicate with clarity, consistency, and creativity across all platforms (Sunday, staff, leaders, congregation).
Leadership & Staff Development
• Provide strong leadership to staff and key volunteer leaders focusing on collaboration, clarity, accountability, and a healthy team environment.
• Identify potential in others and develop leaders through coaching, mentoring, and empowering them to lead thriving ministries.
• Model a Christ-centered life that sets the tone for humility, excellence, and unity on the team.
Congregational Care & Culture
• Ensure systems and teams are in place to care for the congregation, including groups, pastoral care, and next steps pathways.
• Nurture a culture of fun, grace, hospitality, and belonging that reflects the heart of Catalyst.
Operations & Stewardship
• Provide oversight to the day-to-day operations of the church including budgeting, planning, and ministry evaluation in partnership with the Elder Board and executive leaders.
• Ensure ministries and teams are aligned, well-resourced, and functioning effectively.
Community Impact
• Engage with the broader Woodland community through outreach, service partnerships, and presence at key events.
• Lead the church to be a credible, compassionate, and missional influence in the region.
Who would love this role vs. who would not:
• You would love working here if you love seeing people who are new or young to faith take bold steps in their
spiritual journey with Jesus; you would not if you are primarily excited by helping people who have been
Christians for 30 years learn new Bible facts.
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• You would love working here if you enjoy being seen, known, and engaged in the life of the community; you
would not if you prefer spending most of your free time holed up at home by yourself.
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• You would love working here if you cling tightly to the non-negotiables of Orthodox Christian faith; you
would not if you love making a really big deal out of secondary issues.
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• You would love working here if you can maintain a politically independent perspective, recognizing the
strengths and weaknesses on both sides of our cultural landscape; you would not if you lean toward hard-
left or hard-right extremes.
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• You would love working here if you enjoy trying new things to reach people far from God; you would not if
you prefer doing the same thing year after year after year.
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• You would love working here if you can preach and teach Scripture clearly, faithfully, and accessibly to
people who don’t yet know the language of church; you would not if your communication assumes a
seminary-level audience or relies on insider Christian jargon.
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• You would love working here if you believe the church should be known more for its love, generosity, and
faithfulness than for its controversies; you would not if you are drawn to cultural flashpoints and reactionary ministry.
Life in Woodland, California:
Nestled just 20 miles northwest of Sacramento, Woodland, California, invites you to step into a world where small-town charm meets rich history and thriving agricultural roots. Founded in the 1860s with the arrival of the railroad, Woodland has blossomed into a vibrant hub that celebrates its past while embracing the present. The town’s agricultural legacy thrives in its surrounding fields, orchards, and bustling farmers’ markets, offering a taste of fresh, local produce that defines the region’s farm-to-table ethos.
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Woodland strikes a perfect balance between serene suburban living and easy access to urban excitement. Just a short drive from Sacramento’s dynamic energy and within reach of San Francisco’s iconic skyline, Woodland offers the best of both worlds—a peaceful retreat with city conveniences close at hand. Here, tree-lined streets, welcoming neighborhoods, and community events foster a deep sense of belonging, making it a place where connections are forged and memories are made.
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Woodland’s blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and a tight-knit community spirit creates an unparalleled environment to build your career and your life. Come experience Woodland, where history, heart, and opportunity converge in the heart of Northern California.
