We elect and ordain qualified Ministers of the Word and Sacraments to serve as our primary preaching and teaching officers. They do not, however, possess greater executive authority than other elders in our church. Rather, our congregation is governed pastorally by a board of nine local elders who are assisted by seven deacons. To serve in church office, men must first meet the biblical requirements and be elected by the congregation. We have transparent, accountable financial policies and report regularly to the church.

Learn more about the roles, responsibilities, and requirements of elders and deacons.

Rev. Michael Spotts

senior Minister of Word & Sacraments

God called Michael to faith at age ten, in response to a Christian radio program. Shortly thereafter, his parents also became believers and their family began attending an Evangelical baptist church. From his early teens, Michael hoped to minister vocationally. After earning an undergraduate degree in Biblical Theology and Apologetics, he served as a foreign and domestic missionary. His “joyful journey” into Reformed theology, however, however, lead him to enroll at Westminster Seminary in California, where he received a Master of Divinity degree in 2016.

Phoenix URC called and ordained Michael as our Associate Minister in 2017, and he was appointed Senior Minister in 2021. Michael has also served as Stated Clerk of Classis Southwest U.S. and is currently on the Classical Committee for Pastoral Care. He and his wife married in 2013. They have three children. His other interests include backpacking, woodwork, and astronomy.

Rev. Chris Smith

Associate Minister of Word & Sacraments

Chris comes from a broadly Evangelical background. He transitioned into Reformed churches in his early twenties before attending seminary. In 2022, he received dual Master of Divinity and Master of Arts degrees from Westminster Seminary California. His undergraduate degree is in History. He is married and has a soft spot for Nebraska football.