New Heights Church is seeking a relational, theologically grounded Associate Pastor to lead the church’s disciple-making and biblical counseling ministries. This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in equipping others, offering sound biblical care, and shaping systems that help people experience lasting growth in Christ. With a strong foundation, healthy leadership culture, and a heart for reaching the next generation, New Heights is positioned for continued impact. The right leader will bring maturity, initiative, and a shepherd’s heart to a growing and deeply relational church family.

Why I Love This Opportunity

What I love about this opportunity is the clarity and focus. This isn’t a vague associate role — it’s a meaningful chance to serve as a shepherd and primary biblical counselor in a church with deep roots and growing momentum. The team is small but healthy, and the Lead Pastor is grounded, humble, and ready for a true partner in ministry. It’s a great fit for someone who brings both theological depth and a steady, encouraging presence.

Brian Aaby

Senior Associate

A great match for this position would be:

• Shepherd: relationally present, emotionally wise, and genuinely invested in people’s spiritual growth.
• Equipper: able to develop and train others for effective ministry and leadership.
• Bible & Theological Shaper: someone who offers clarity and depth rooted in Scripture while helping others apply it meaningfully.
• Achiever: internally motivated, action-oriented, and skilled at building systems that scale.
• Encourager: naturally affirming and life-giving, creating a culture of grace and truth.

About This Organization

New Heights Church is a fast-growing, biblically rooted congregation with a deep commitment to expository teaching, joyful fellowship, and community engagement. Founded in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, NHC began as a small gathering of people seeking solid biblical teaching and a renewed sense of church community. Today, the church has grown to 240 members, with an average of 56 children and youth attending weekly—making the next generation a key area of focus. Events like VBS have drawn large participation, reflecting the church’s heart for reaching and discipling young families.

The church’s story is one of unexpected doors and God’s provision. In early 2021, a small, aging congregation at Richland Heights Baptist Church invited Pastor Dave Bechtel—longtime Senior Pastor of Bethel Church in Richland—to step in and lead. With just five active members, they entrusted their building and resources to a new vision, passing the torch to a fresh movement of faith. Shortly after, the church became New Heights Church, moving away from its previous denominational ties and embracing a new identity. Since then, NHC has experienced rapid growth, fueled by a hunger for God’s Word, a spirit of generosity, and a deep sense of mission.

In the fall of 2024, Jeff Thompson joined the staff as the new Lead Pastor, preparing to transition into leadership once all work permits are finalized as he and his family move from British Columbia. As the church continues to grow, this next season presents incredible opportunities to expand its ministry impact, particularly in reaching and discipling youth and young adults. Every Sunday is filled with joy and expectation, as NHC eagerly follows where God is leading next.

Location

“Living in the Tri-Cities means nonstop adventure right in your backyard. With 300+ days of sunshine, you can be out on the Columbia River wakeboarding, kayaking, or fishing one day, and hitting hiking or mountain biking trails the next. If you love sports, there’s golf, tennis, and year-round outdoor activities. Plus, with amazing local coffee shops, great food, and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to enjoy life outside of ministry.”

Quote from: New Heights Elder Board

What’s Expected

• This role is all about coming alongside Pastor Jeff Thompson to help lead, shepherd, and shape a healthy and growing church. The Associate Pastor will be the primary biblical counselor on the team, so someone who’s wise, compassionate, and grounded in Scripture will thrive. Teaching and theological shaping will happen more through discipleship and care than preaching, though there will be some upfront moments too. It’s a great role for someone who loves people, can build trust quickly, and has the instincts to step into both the strategic and the deeply personal sides of ministry.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Pastoral Care & Counseling
• Serve as the church’s primary biblical counselor—offering wisdom, care, and support through a gospel-centered lens.
• Shepherd the Congregation
• Build meaningful relationships across the church, offering spiritual guidance and being present in people’s lives during key moments.
• Equip Leaders & Volunteers
• Identify, train, and encourage others to lead well—especially in discipleship, groups, and care ministries.
• Lead and Shape Discipleship Strategy
• Help develop systems and pathways for spiritual formation, including mentoring, small groups, and next steps.
• Support the Vision with Strategic Leadership
• Partner with Pastor Jeff to move ministry goals forward with clarity, unity, and thoughtfulness.
• Occasional Teaching & Preaching
• Preach occasionally in Sunday services and teach in other settings (classes, workshops, etc.) as needed.

Key Qualifications

• Proven Shepherd’s Heart
• Has a deep love for people and a track record of walking with them through both everyday life and life’s hardest moments.
• Gifted Biblical Counselor
• Trained and experienced in providing wise, gospel-centered counsel grounded in Scripture.
• Equipper of Others
• Naturally invests in and raises up leaders—creating healthy ministry through multiplication, not just doing.
• Theological Depth & Clarity
• Brings sound doctrine and a thoughtful approach to helping others grow in biblical understanding and practice.
• Collaborative but Self-Motivated
• Works well with Pastor Jeff and others while also being a proactive, dependable leader in their own lane.
• Experience in Local Church Ministry
• Demonstrated effectiveness in a pastoral ministry context, preferably in a church of similar size or vision.

Candidate Requirements

• Alignment with the beliefs & teachings of New Heights (newheights.ch/about-us/what-we-believe)
• Meet the biblical requirements for deacons as described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
• Display clear evidence of a life lived under the Lordship of Christ in good and bad times, marriage, parenting, work, relationships, and all areas of life.

Salary Range

65,000 – 95,000