Scott Riley is joining the Schweitzer staff this fall as our new Pastor of Families. This is a new position at Schweitzer that will help provide pastoral and strategic leadership for family ministries, including Schweitzer Kids, Student Ministry, families and young adults. This position is a strategic addition for the church as we continue to encourage and lead future generations at Schweitzer. Scott and his family are relocating to the Ozarks from Sacramento, California. You can reach Scott by email at sriley@schweitzer.church.
Tell Us About Your Life & Career
For the past 30 years, I have served as a pastor in multiple areas in three churches, but always focused on leading youth and kids ministry teams. I am passionate about missions, camps, and programs that meet the needs of people, the church, and Jesus. I have also continued my education, picking up my Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry and Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Coaching while pastoring in God’s kingdom. I enjoy seeing students from cradle to college make formative steps in their faith.
My Family
My wife Thea and I have been married 32 years and served together at all of our churches. She is a pastor as well with a focus on counseling. We adopted our three kids (they are a sibling group). Our oldest, Monique, is married and the mother of Suraya (nine months old) with a little boy on the way. We have two boys, Lewis (19) who loves to cook and is an expert in Heavy Metal music and Victor (16) who is passionate about football. He is looking forward to the challenge of playing in Springfield.
What’s It Like to Move From West to the Midwest?
Our family is excited to move to the Midwest! Thea and I have served at Camp Barnabus and visited the Ozarks. We love the area and have enjoyed visiting Lambert’s, Andy’s, The Mud House, and Bass Pro Shops. Our boys consider themselves burger connoisseurs, so I’m pretty sure you’ll see us at Black Sheep right after we move. Were also looking forward to exploring trails, kayaking, and checking out more Ozark Lunkers’ games and other local teams. Our daughter and grandbabies will stay in Nevada. I expect there will be many visits back and forth to see one another. We like California and Nevada, but we love being more in the place God wants us. We have never been afraid of moving when He calls.
How do you see the role of a family pastor making a difference at Schweitzer?
I see the role of a family pastor being integral to the success of the Next Gen team which is a valuable piece in a growing church. I am a cheerleader by nature, so I will encourage our team to look for best practices and help identify where we can be more effective. I have coached many of my former students as they entered into ministry, and I have served the at-large church through our non-profit in the same way.
I’m excited to get to know the team and Schweitzer. I look forward to praying with, caring for, and assisting families to glorify God and become better disciples.