When Joseph Dockter, 35, interviewed for the position of pastor at the Vineyard Assembly of God in Tisbury late last August, he talked about the spiritual story of Rev. Thomas Mayhew, who brought Christianity to the Vineyard in the 1600s. It was an inspirational story for him, and he couldn’t help but draw a connection between the old story and the work he wanted to do on the Vineyard.

That conversation and interview on Monday, August 31, earned him the job. He was offered the position that night.

Mr. Dockter was born on an island, and throughout his career he has spent time on many islands. He was born on the big island of Hawaii, though he was there only six months. He has gone on to other islands, too, Caribbean islands, including Haiti. He speaks fluent Spanish and has served in South America and Mexico. More recently, he’s spent time in New England.

For five years he was an associate pastor at South Attleboro, preceded by getting a bachelor’s degree at Zion Bible College in Barrington, R.I.

The General Council of the Assemblies of God is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the United States and was organized in 1914. It has a worldwide fellowship. The Vineyard church at 1048 State Road is in its 31st year.

Mr. Dockter sees the Vineyard community as an Island of many who have chosen to live here to find respite from the rest of the world. “They may be taking a break from the real challenges of life,” he said. “As beautiful as this Island is, there is a missing piece.”

The pastor said faith is a big part of it, and he is reaching out.

Mr. Dockter said he deeply struck by the natural beauty of this Island; he has committed to himself to take nature walks. Smiling, he said that prior to moving here, he and his wife owned a home in an entirely different setting — near a Providence shopping mall.

The Vineyard in a lot of ways is a welcome change. His wife, Carol, is a stay at home mother. They have two children. Daniel, seven, attends the Tisbury School, and Christiana, is four.

Mr. Dockter said Rev. Robert Wise, the assembly’s Southern New England district superintendent, is the major reason why he has come to the Vineyard. The two have known each other for seven years. When the Vineyard church started looking for a pastor to replace Pastor Bob Hallquist, Mr. Wise informed him of the opportunity.

“He wanted me to put my name in,” Mr. Dockter said.

Mr. Wise will be on the Island this Sunday to officiate at a special installation ceremony at the church. The ceremony begins with the usual Sunday morning 10:30 a.m. service. A reception luncheon will follow, and all are welcome.