We are a gospel-centered, intergenerational church made up of people who come from all kinds of experiences, stories, and brokenness—but, we have embraced the grace of Jesus Christ in our lives.

ENCOUNTER began as Bible Fellowship Church in Ventura in 1953. From our humble roots in a living room, to our existing campus, our goal has always been to communicate and share the grace of God locally and globally. We're a church of 662 who is defined by grace.

Our church is made up of deep relationships that are resilient through thick and thin. We are a committed and giving congregation who work hard to welcome everyone. We are a family that strives to reach others with the love and grace of Jesus.

We are committed to transforming lives with hope and healing, both locally and abroad. For us, that means we are:

• Locked in on Jesus - Christ is the center of our faith. We fix our eyes on Him, the founder and perfecter of our salvation, laying aside what hinders us as we pursue Him with endurance. Jesus is both our beginning and our end. As a church, we help one another keep our focus on Him through worship, prayer, service, and discipleship, believing that when Christ is first, everything else finds its place.

• Ignited by Scripture - God’s Word fuels and shapes every part of our lives and ministry. Because Scripture is God-breathed, living, and authoritative, it teaches, corrects, and equips us to live faithfully in the world. As we read, study, and apply the Bible together in worship, in our homes, and in daily devotion, we are strengthened in faith and formed into disciples who make disciples.

• Victorious through Grace - We believe every part of the Christian life is sustained by the grace of Jesus Christ. God watches over us in every season, through even the darkest moments, reminding us that our victory is secured not by our strength but by His grace. Because of Christ’s finished work, we live with confidence that nothing can separate us from God’s love and that He continues transforming our lives by grace.

• Engaged in our Community and World - We believe the church is called to shine the light of Christ wherever God places us. As followers of Jesus, we actively live out the gospel through love, service, and witness in our homes, neighborhoods, and among the nations. By engaging our community and world, we join God’s mission of bringing hope and healing to those who need Christ.

• Shaped by the Spirit - We believe the Holy Spirit continually transforms believers into the likeness of Christ. As we behold Jesus through Scripture, prayer, and community, the Spirit forms His character within us from one degree of glory to another. This ongoing transformation empowers us to live as the light of Christ in the world.

For more, see Encounterlife.org/about 

The Executive Pastor will oversee a dedicated team of ministry and operational leaders, including Family Ministries, Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, and Preschool, while leading the church’s discipleship strategy and spiritual formation pathway. This pastor will supervise key operational functions of the church and help ensure alignment with the vision and values of ENCOUNTER. This is a full-time, exempt position that includes paid medical benefits for the employee and family. This role reports to the Lead Pastor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Vision - the Executive Pastor will work in tandem with the Executive Team, which includes the Lead Pastor and Executive Director, to shepherd the vision of ENCOUNTER. They will serve as an implementer of that vision in collaboration with staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers.

• Team Leadership - the Executive Pastor will manage a team of ministry and operational leaders to implement the vision and values of ENCOUNTER through leadership development, onboarding, and evaluation. They will serve to empower and encourage through their gifts of shepherding and leadership.

• Discipleship Pathway Formation - this leader will directly own the execution of a discipleship pathway for spiritual formation. They will develop and implement ministry plans and programs to promote spiritual growth and fellowship within existing and new ministries. 

• Teaching - The Executive Pastor will share the teaching and preaching of God’s Word with the Lead Pastor. They will utilize excellent communication and homiletic skills to promote the gospel message and encourage spiritual growth. This pastor will also provide pastoral care to the congregation, including officiating weddings and funerals on occasion. 

• Operations - This leader will provide oversight to the business functions of the church including Finance and Budgeting, Human Resources, Facilities, Preschool, and IT. The Executive Pastor will work closely with the Finance team and Elders to develop, manage, and steward the annual church budget, ensuring that financial resources are aligned with ministry priorities and long-term sustainability.