Riverside Church, a vibrant, multi-campus church with locations in Big Lake, Buffalo and Sauk Rapids, MN, represents a rare opportunity for a gifted pastor to step into a healthy and mission-driven ministry poised for even greater impact. With a deeply engaged congregation and a clear mission to reach people and help them become fully devoted followers of Jesus, Riverside is experiencing remarkable growth and spiritual momentum.
The Big Idea
After 22 years of faithful service, the church is preparing for the transition of Senior Pastor Tom Lundeen. They are prayerfully seeking a dynamic, outwardly focused, biblically grounded pastor and leader to shepherd the church to the next season with refreshed vision, vitality, and Gospel impact. This is a wonderful opportunity to guide a healthy and outward-focused church family that is eager to help people say, “YES!” to Jesus and be transformed as they grow in Him. Riverside is not just a church where you go, it is a family where you belong. The congregation reflects a compelling blend of strong biblically focused teaching, relational warmth, and a very clear evangelistic heartbeat. At Riverside, people of all ages are growing in their faith, serving their communities, and actively inviting others to encounter the life-changing love of Jesus. This is an invitation for a visionary pastor to cast compelling direction and help the church lean forward in faith. They are not looking for a manager, but a builder—someone who will carefully and lovingly shepherd spiritual momentum with integrity and collaboration with a talented staff team.
The Candidate
Riverside Church is seeking a gifted and passionate communicator of God’s Word—someone who teaches with biblical conviction, clarity, and relevance. He will be known for sermons that are rooted in Scripture, infused with grace and truth, and consistently point people to Jesus. The church values practical, heartfelt messages that speak to everyday life and always includes an invitation to say, “YES!” to Jesus. Culturally aware and community-minded, the ideal candidate will understand the unique setting of Central Minnesota and embrace its rhythms, relationships, and rich spiritual heritage, including the culturally religious roots of the region. He will lead with humility, courage, and a contagious passion for God’s mission to help lost people be found. Ideally, the candidate will model lifestyle evangelism and the invitational ethos that has been a hallmark of Riverside’s culture for decades.
The Location
For a pastor and family, Big Lake offers a relationally warm environment where ministry and everyday life can flourish side by side. Nestled between the amenities of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and the natural beauty of greater Minnesota, Big Lake offers the best of both worlds. With beautiful lakes, scenic parks, and a strong sense of community, it’s an ideal place to raise a family, build meaningful relationships, and enjoy the outdoors year-round.
For more information about this position, click here or contact Kara Bubar at kara@nlmoore.com.