The members of Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new pastor.

Dr. Rev. James Rizer and his wife Melissa are returning to Arizona as he becomes the new senior pastor Friday, Aug. 1.

His first service is Sunday, Aug. 3.

Rizer, who goes by Jim, grew up in the greater Phoenix area before moving east. As he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., a friend suggested that he would be a good minister. Rizer laughed.

The next day, another friend echoed a similar sentiment and thus began Rizer’s exploration of a call into the ministry.

He returned to the Phoenix area and joined Northminster Presbyterian Church, where the pastor served as his guide and mentor.

During this time, Rizer was blessed to meet Melissa, who, after graduating from the University of Michigan, relocated to the Valley.

The two were married at Northminster Presbyterian on July 6, 1991.

Two months later, they moved to Princeton, N.J., as Rizer entered full-time seminary to earn his Master of Divinity.

He has served as associate pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Iowa, and then at Mountain View Presbyterian in Scottsdale. In 2002, Rizer began serving as senior pastor at Grosse Pointe Woods Presbyterian in Michigan. After 10 years, he was instrumental in birthing Living Hope Church.

According to a press release, Rizer views his role as an “Undershepherd of the Good Shepherd” called to “feed the sheep” through preaching, teaching and sharing the full counsel of God.

Rizer comes to Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church to shepherd its mission to “Love God, Love People and Make Disciples” as the church begins its next 50 years.

The Rizers have three grown children, Spencer, 27, AJ, 25 and Vivian 19. They also have a dog. Jim is a dedicated runner, enjoys crosswords and dabbles in home projects. Melissa holds a master’s degree in library science and is an avid reader.

The congregation at Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church will honor The Rev. Dr. Bob Simmons and his wife Jeanette at a catered reception in Fellowship Hall Sunday, July 27, following the worship service, in honor of his role as transitional pastor for the past three years.