Shared Staffing

Covenant and Grace

Distinct Communities: Strengthening Together While Growing Individually

Covenant DTC Presbyterian and Grace Presbyterian are both PCUSA churches with distinct missions, visions, and congregational identities. While they remain separate and independent churches, they have partnered through a shared staffing model. This innovative approach allows both churches to access a dedicated team of pastoral and support staff who work collaboratively to help each congregation achieve its individual goals. The shared staff brings their unique talents and resources to support each church in its ministry and mission, ensuring that both Covenant and Grace can thrive without sacrificing their autonomy. These churches are not satellite campuses, but rather two distinct communities working together through shared leadership.

What is "Shared Staffing"?

Shared staffing is a new and innovative idea to help smaller churches thrive in our modern world. Too often we find smaller community churches short staffed and the few staff that do work in these churches get asked to do a lot of work outside of their skillsets.

"Shared staffing" is a way for community churches to benefit from a larger staff team, to keep their home church their home, and to keep their staff from burning out.

Covenant Presbyterian and Grace Presbyterian have entered into a partnership to incorporate this plan and help both of their churches thrive into the future.

Here's How it is Working

Since 2023, our shared staffing plan has taken the place of the traditional Interim Pastor following Pastor Barb's retirement. Instead of creating a short-term contract with a single individual, Covenant Presbyterian chose to hire a contracted pastoral team for 24 months. This team includes Rev. Justin Spurlock, Rev. Dave Van Deren, and Rev. Dani Hillyer, who has now joined as the associate pastor. The support staff at each church remains the same.

Rev. Justin Spurlock serves as Head of Staff and Moderator of Session for both congregations, while Rev. Dave Van Deren focuses on pastoral care and congregational connections. Rev. Dani Hillyer will serve as the primary pastoral and preaching presence at Covenant.

Both churches will remain independent congregations, with the key difference being that the pastoral team of Justin, Dave, and Dani serves both. Instead of relying on one pastor to handle a wide range of duties, this shared staffing model allows each pastor to specialize in their strengths, collaborate with other leaders, and better serve the unique needs of both churches.

The support staff at Covenant will continue in their current roles, with occasional opportunities to assist Grace Presbyterian. For more information about Justin, Dave, and Dani, click the button below!

Meet The Team

Who is Grace Presbyterian Church?

Grace Presbyterian's Mission Statement

Grace Presbyterian Church is called to cultivate a spiritually vibrant community of grace. We seek to be a Christ-centered, intergenerational, open-minded community that participates fully in Christ's mission of grace.

Grace Presbyterian Church in Highlands Ranch, CO, offers both contemporary and traditional worship services, emphasizing a strong music program, family ministries, and community outreach. The church supports spiritual growth for all ages and maintains a focus on fostering connections and serving others. Through their Celebration and Classic services, Grace strives to create a welcoming environment for people of diverse backgrounds and faith journeys. They are committed to serving the local community and providing opportunities for spiritual formation.

Grace is located in Highlands Ranch off Hiway 85 and Highlands Ranch Parkway. They sit on over 10 acres of land and host a large 1 acre garden.

Map to Grace Grace Website