THE THRIVE CHURCH STORY
believe in the impossible, because our God can do all things. Every
step we take as a church family is a step that is expectant for another
miraculous God story. It is our goal that as you get connected, you’ll find
people who see you and see all that you’re capable of. We hope that as
you read our story further, you’ll find encouragement for your own place
in life and discover the endless possibility for what it means to walk by
faith and find your dreams realized.
Pastors Jacob & Hannah had long dreamed of planting a church centered
on the goal of seeing people thrive with new life in Christ. That dream
became a reality in 2013, as 29 people moved across the country to
launch Thrive Church. Setup that first weekend at Mammoth Heights
Elementary School took 14 hours. Yet, each team member involved was
excited to take part in what God was doing.
Since then, we have seen God add to His church, as one experience
became two, allowing us to reach more people in 2014. In 2015, we had
an Easter outreach that grabbed the attention of the community, and
more than 2,000 people attended. In 2016, we moved to a perfect new
location, Parker Performing Arts School. We also started Flourish (a
women’s conference), added staff, and got office space. In 2017, we
launched a student ministry, started Courageous (a men’s event), added
more staff, and increased our office space. In 2018, we hosted Flourish at
the Paramount Theater in Denver with some of the nation’s top speakers,
and released our first worship EP.
Beyond the places and spaces God has taken us, there is a significantly
greater story that encompasses what God has done in the lives of so
many people. We have seen hundreds of people find faith in Christ. Many
have been baptized. It has been an honor to see people come alive to
their spiritual purpose as they jump in and serve in an area of their
passion. Thousands of people have been impacted nationally and globally
as we have had the privilege of giving away hundreds of thousands of
dollars to missions.
And we truly feel we are just getting started. We believe God is beginning
a movement in this region that will spread the message of Jesus to
thousands of people who are far from Christ. We invite you to see for
yourself how exciting church can be when the focus is simple and people
are free to seek God with passion.
THRIVE CHURCH MISSION
That people would thrive with new life in Christ.
THRIVE CHURCH VISION
THE CHURCH THAT I SEE” : PASTOR JACOB OUELLETTE
- I see a powerful church that is creating a movement of life-change that is
sweeping south Denver (salvation and life-change). - I see Thrive building the most influential youth program in all of metro
Denver. (Our competition is not our teammates (other churches) or aim is
to exceed the influence of any youth program in all of metro Denver (but
to see the most amount of students thrive with new life in Christ). - Why – to impact those most-likely to respond to Christ and win the race to
their heart. The first one to a young person’s heart wins. - I see a church gaining in influence and resources to unleash outreach like
south Denver has never seen. - I see Thrive Outreach being the first organization that local schools,
hospitals, and city officials turn to when help is needed. - I see over 1,000 people giving their lives to Christ at church each year.
- I see 500 teenagers are giving their lives to Christ each year.
- I see the teen suicide rate dropping in south Denver.
- I see a church that is so life-giving and God-contagious that our building
struggles to contain the growth. - I see kids begging their parents to take them to church.
- I see people shaking the shackles that have held them back in worship
through the unmistakable presence of God. - I see Thrive Church being a river of joy to our city.
- I see our staff team full of people who are doing what others said was not
possible.
THRIVE CHURCH VALUES
- GROW AS YOU GO
We grow the most spiritually when we apply the most personally. - ONE UNITED VOICE
We choose one unified voice centered on Jesus and our core beliefs. - ENJOY THE JOURNEY
We laugh hard, loud, and often while we love life with those God has
surrounded us with. - PASSION FOR PEOPLE
Our unquenchable desire is to see people live beyond ordinary. - LEAD THE WAY IN GENEROSITY
We are more blessed when we give than when we receive. - BELIEVE GOD FOR BIG THINGS
We will attempt things so big that if accomplished only God will get the glory.
THRIVE CHURCH LEADERSHIP VALUES
- We are THERMOSTATS not THERMOMETERS
We are tone setters.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed
on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let
your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your
heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Ask yourself: “Do I make the room better & brighter when I walk into it?” - Ministry is a “GET TO” not a “GOT TO”
A grateful perspective is key.
“Be glad as you serve the Lord.” – Psalm 100:2
Ask yourself: “Am I currently thankful to God for being a part of HIS work?” - Honor with Unity
My loyalty is both public and private. I am willing to challenge the process
internally, but publicly rally around the final decision. I honor others by
forgiving quickly and I won’t stay offended.
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity… It is there
that the Lord commands his blessing.” – Psalm 133:1
Ask yourself: “Am I honoring others publicly and privately and am I clear of
any offenses?” - Stay Fit
It is hard to lift up others when I am down. I take personal responsibility for
my well-being.
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction
of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For
we are each responsible for our own conduct.” – Galatians 6:4-5
Ask yourself: “Am I taking care of myself spiritually, physically, relationally,
financially, and emotionally?” - Speak Life
In a world of so much discouragement and negativity, we will use our words
to build up and encourage people. Our goal is when people get around us
they are lifted up by God’s heart for them.
“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” –
Proverbs 18:21
Ask yourself: “Are my words life-giving today?” - We Create Environments that are “FULL OF IT” – Faith, Family & Fun
Full things fill things!
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may
have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10
Ask yourself: “Am I contributing to a contagious environment that is full of
faith, family, and fun?” - Maximize Current Opportunity
As we are believing God for big things we will also honor Him by maximizing
what we have not what we wish we had. Constraints breed resourcefulness
and invention.
“Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two
more.“ The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have
been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more
responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” – Matthew 25:22-23
Ask yourself: “Am I creating solutions to the constraints that I face?” - We are Building a Movement
Because eternity is at stake, we will invite as many other people to join us in
running to those far from God. The movement of Christ will grow at the pace
of the growth of our dream team.
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in
charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” – Luke
10:2
Ask yourself: “Am I currently recruiting Thrivers to serve?” - 5-Star Excellence
We go the extra mile in our service and care for others. We lead by example,
by walking not pointing.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not
for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Ask yourself: “Am I consistently giving my best & inspiring others to do the
same?” - We Celebrate All-In
We wholeheartedly pursue God and serve Him with all we have.
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all
your mind, and all your strength.” – Mark 12:30
Ask yourself: “Am I living and leading with an all in commitment?” - Integrity is My Job
Influence expands when we build on a foundation of integrity and lead an
internal life that inspires others.
“Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your
love, your faith, and your purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
Ask yourself: “Am I currently living an internal life that is pleasing to God and
inspiring to others?”
CANDIDATE PERSONAL PROFILE
- The Basics:
Knowledgeable in student ministries with at least two years of ministry
experience.
Experienced in developing and motivating adults and students to become
leaders.
Awesome at communicating and relating to others, especially young people
and their parents.
A team player and team builder who focuses on the good of the entire
organization.
Willing to take on responsibility outside of Thrive Students. - The Works:
Building a relational youth ministry team.
Recruiting, training, and leading adult volunteers and student leaders.
Overseeing weekly student worship experiences that are engaging, high
energy and focused on reaching the lost.
Being a team player who collaborates with all ministries during weekend
experiences.
Be a model for those who attend Thrive Church by being an example of
personal integrity. - It would rock if you:
Could create a movement and not a social club Build an irresistible youth ministry where teenagers are happy to ditch the
best parties and come to church instead.
Reach new students and families in the community, and smile all at the same time.
Have a proven track record in growing a team of people and inspiring them to action to achieve a common goal.
Have a calm face that masks a brain working at warp speeds.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
& RESPONSIBILITIES
- Raise up Leaders
o Develop and lead a massive amount of adult leaders to serve
the student ministry.
o Develop and lead student ministry leaders. - Preach
- Campus Ministry
o Develop and lead a ministry presence in 10+ school systems/
areas around our church. - Vision
o Work with the pastors to execute an audacious vision to
reach teenagers.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- A great leader
- Delegates
- Builds a team
- Passionate about campus ministry
- Believes in women in ministry
- Holds the value of the gifts of the Spirit for today
- Visionary: believes for the impossible
- Dreams big dreams and maximizes what they have
- Team-player: knows we are better making decisions as a team
- Fast paced/energetic
- Servant-hearted
SOUTH DENVER, COLORADO
South Denver is our mission field. It is a destination city where people are
coming to find fulfillment in the beauty of the mountains and to find
fulfillment by working hard and playing hard. The spiritual soil is tough. The
county we are in has one of the highest rates of teen suicide and sex
trafficking in the nation. In a city of wealth, money and pleasure… there is a
desperate need for the hope of God in the hearts of the people who call
South Denver, “Home.”
This city requires GRIT and TENACITY but is ready for a youth movement.
If you are ready to build with GREAT faith, GREAT all-in commitment and
incredible grit, then you have a shot here. We don’t take our mission lightly.
We count it an honor to be entrusted with what many have said is the “church
plant graveyard.” We are watching just the opposite… NEW LIFE! FOR A CITY
is what we exist for.