Nathan McWherter
Lead Pastor | Founder of Trust Rising | Speaker | Writer | Helping Others Find Freedom in Faith
- Role
- Lead Pastor at Desert Vineyard Church
- Location
- Lancaster, CA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Nathan McWherter
As a passionate leader, I am dedicated to revitalizing the church through discipleship, missional living, and reliance on Jesus Christ. I firmly believe that growth is achieved by guiding people to experience life transformation through the Holy Spirit. I see God initiating new work in the communities around me by empowering diverse leaders.With a proven track record of growing ministries and developing key leaders and discipleship systems, I am committed to creating strategic visions for the growth and expansion of the kingdom. My passion and energy as a communicator aim to bring the Bible alive in the hearts of those who know Jesus.
Experience
Lead Pastor
Sep 2023 — Present · Lancaster, CA, US
Desert Vineyard, a church with close to 50 years of history, is deeply rooted in compassion and service. As part of Vineyard USA, we have experienced significant growth, with weekly attendance rising from 600 to over 900 in the past year and over 60 baptisms. Our church is known for its broad ethnic and economic diversity and long-standing commitment to serving the unhoused, working poor, and needy in the Antelope Valley. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming space for everyone, especially the unchurched and non-believers, recognizing that everyone is on a unique journey. Key Responsibilities:Leadership of Compassion Initiatives: Oversee and advance essential programs that address community needs and support our mission. We have expanded the reach of our compassion ministries and will give away over 1.2 million pounds of food directly to individuals this year. Spiritual Initiatives: Lead efforts to support and grow our Holy Spirit-led mission, contributing to the spiritual and communal impact of Desert Vineyard. Developed New Life Sundays, which celebrate testimonies and baptisms in a new way, including a new mentorship and testimony process. Developed and launched WED@DV to consolidate community and growth at Desert Vineyard to help congregants grow in their faith. Setting Culture and Vision: Develop and implement the church’s culture and vision, aligning our efforts with our core values to guide and inspire our community. Developed a Staff Code and accountabilitiy structure to help focus our paid staff efforts. Staff Development: Cultivate a supportive and effective staff culture by integrating key principles such as seeing, supporting, and celebrating each other, taking risks, fostering surrender, and empowering emerging leaders.Develop Volunteer Leaders: increase the kingdom impact of Desert Vineyard. Through the Equip course, we have empowered over 15 volunteer Ministry Action Plans and are on track to complete 30 more this ministry year.
Education
Asbury Theological Seminary
Doctor of Ministry
2017 — 2022
Community College of the Air Force
Associate of Science - AS
2005 — 2009
Ashland Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity
2009 — 2012
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Arts
2004 — 2008
Skills
- Youth Ministry
- Preaching
- Biblical Studies
- Networking
- Church Events
- Inspection
- Microsoft Office
- Non-Profit Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Teaching
- Community Outreach
- Community Development
- Nonprofits
- Community Service
- Pastoral Counseling
- Theology
- Coaching
- Leadership Development
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Pastoral Care
- Leadership
- Crossfit
- Bible
- Volunteer Management
- Discipleship
- Curriculum Design
- Non-Profits
- Team Building
Find verified contacts for anyone on LinkedIn
Unifers gives sales teams verified emails and direct dials, enriched profiles, and outreach that lands in the inbox.
Free plan included · No credit card required
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.