Meet Tara
Tara J. VinCross
I have come to know God on this journey of life. Through experiences that have marked me, relationships that have shaped me, and the quiet, persistent presence of God woven through it all. God's deep call has ushered me into a place I would not be on my own.
Serving as a pastor for 25 years, I get to share my lived experience of God’s grace. Each sermon, small group, or retreat I lead is a reflection of the gift of God’s presence in
my life.
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
Psalm 42:7
Pastor and Chaplain
I hold a B.A. in Theology from Southwestern Adventist University, a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Youth Ministry, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Discipleship and Biblical Spirituality from Andrews Theological Seminary. I am in the process of completing a Master of Arts in Business Administration from Eastern University. I have deeply appreciated the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) process, and I am a Board Certified Chaplain. Each facet of my education has been an essential part of my growth.
My calling is to nurture the spiritual growth of pastors and leaders—creating nurturing spaces where those who give so much can receive rest, renewal, and reconnection with God. A space where we can remember we are beloved children of God.
As an author, I bring my calling to the page across every season of life—from children's books that plant seeds of faith early, to baptism guides and discipleship resources that equip leaders and communities for deeper transformation.
Visionary and Creative
Caleb and I have been married for over 20 years. Caleb is a hospital chaplain, and he’s been a true friend, listener, travel companion, and co-parent. We have a son and a daughter, both welcomed into our family at birth through adoption. We love to travel, serve, spend time in nature, take adventures together, go on mission trips, and try new vegan restaurants.
We were always planning to adopt. Since I was 13 years old, I felt the pull of God towards adoption. What we didn’t realize was that our path would include miscarriages and infertility, as well as caring for and losing two parents (my dad and Caleb's mom) as they lost their battles with cancer. Our journey has held loss and trust, grief and joy, meaning and hope. We've grown through it all.
I do the juggling that so many moms do: living into a dual calling to ministry and to motherhood. This life, this calling, has broken me down and built me up in ways I could have never imagined. I have discovered that my weakness is the prerequisite to the strength of God in and through my life.
And God's grace is sufficient.
For that, I am forever grateful.
Anchored in Love
Family Life Videos
Tara VinCross, DMin., BCC serves as the Senior Pastor of Azure Hills Church in Grand Terrace,California, where she lives with her husband, Caleb, and their kids Josiah and Ava.
Over the last 25 years, Pastor VinCross has served churches in Washington, Pennsylvania, and California. She is passionate about helping people create space in their lives to become deeply rooted in the love of God and serve the world from their passion and giftedness.
She is the author of the Deep Calling discipleship series, Deep Roots Bible study guides, and four children’s books, including a new book called Sabbath Song: Jesus' Rhythm of Rest. She and her family enjoy traveling, serving, outdoor adventuring, and trying new vegan restaurants.
