The Search

5/12/23- View Pastor Jonathan’s departure letter here.

The elder board has 1) hired SIMA Partners, experts in finding executives for churches and faith-based organizations and 2) assembled a search committee of current and former elder board members.

Throughout the process, which can span 6-12 months, we’ll provide regular updates as we trust the Holy Spirit for guidance while SIMA Partners steers us through the following three phases:

1. Phase 1 – Preparing for The Search
   1. Perform intake process with church leadership to understand needs
   2. Conduct key individual and group staff meetings to gather input
   3. Develop and finalize two search documents: Critical Leadership Requirements (internal) and Opportunity Profile (external)

2. Phase 2 – Sourcing/Presenting Candidates
   1. Conduct research and sourcing efforts to spread the word
   2. Screen wide pool of candidates to identify the most qualified
   3. Present a pool of 5-7 finalists to search committee
   4. Search committee conducts interviews to narrow finalists

3. Phase 3 – Final Selection
   1. Conduct final interview round, including meet-and-greet with key staff
   2. Search committee reaches decision regarding best candidate
   3. Elder board affirms selection of candidate to present to members for approval vote

The elder board reached this decision as part of ongoing strategic planning efforts since Pastor Phil’s retirement announcement in 2017 and with the knowledge that Dave Kell’s 18-month commitment to help with operations was coming to an end (June 8). The elder board is extremely grateful for the job the Leadership Team of Joelle, Jonathan and Dave have done since Phil stepped down, but feel the time has come to hire one Lead Pastor for the church.

The process confirmed our commitment to 1) reaching one more for Christ and 2) providing an exceptional worship experience. These values will remain priorities for us throughout the search process.

No. Jonathan’s opportunity to join Midcurrent Church came just as the elder board was finalizing its strategic planning work and preparing to embark on a Lead Pastor search.

We have every expectation of hiring the leader God has in mind for us. This position is an attractive opportunity and open to candidates near and far.

We are blessed to have Pastor Joelle on our leadership team, grateful for her valuable contributions, and excited about the partnership she will have with a new Lead Pastor. She will be leading the staff until the new Lead Pastor arrives.

Applicant status is confidential, so whether any of our pastors apply is a private matter. The consultant is conducting a nationwide search, and we’re open to candidates near and far as we look for the next leader God has for us.

To conduct the nationwide search, the elder board has hired SIMA Partners (a firm with 25 years of experience conducting searches for churches and faith-based organizations) and also has assembled a search team of current and former elder board members.

SIMA Partners will steer us through a process shaped by the following three phases:

1. Preparing for The Search: determining our needs, developing Critical Leadership Criteria and Opportunity Profile documents
2. Sourcing/Presenting Candidates: sourcing, screening and choosing 5-7 finalists
3. Final Selection: assessing finalists, presenting chosen candidate to members for vote

Our amazing pastors and staff do great ministry work! During this transition, the elder board will make sure they have the extra support and resources needed to continue doing what they do best.

While trusting the Holy Spirit for guidance and SIMA Partners for counsel, the search committee will conduct a final round of interviews with finalists, including a meet-and-greet with key staff, and select a candidate. The elder board will affirm the recommendation and present it to members for a vote of approval.

The search could take between 6-12 months, depending on how quickly qualified candidates engage with the process (and on the Holy Spirit’s timing).

We’re glad you’ve found the website pages created to keep you informed. We will continue to post updates here and send them via email. Click here to sign up for our “CR Weekly” email which is where we will be sending updates. Also, please review our current “Prayer Requests” and join us in praying for all aspects of The Search process.

Leadership change always seems sudden, but it’s not a surprise to God or to healthy organizations who prepare for it well. This moment is part of God’s plan for our future.

No, we’re not worried. Healthy organizations face change head on, and the elder board’s work has prepared us for this. We trust God will provide clear direction. We trust the search firm to guide us. We trust our pastors and staff to continue their great ministry work. We’re optimistic.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Thank you for your care and investment in this process. We welcome additional questions at TheSearch@crossroads.co.

Join us in praying for God’s guidance throughout the process of selecting our lead pastor. Below you’ll find a list of specific requests related to the status of our search.

This list will be updated as we move forward, so please to check back periodically.

Thank you for your prayers.

Current Prayer Requests (click here for printable version):

• Pray for God’s wisdom and discernment for all involved in this entire process.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide all efforts and prepare our next leader.
• Pray for unity and God’s protection of our entire Crossroads family through this transition.
• Pray for Joelle, our Campus Pastors, and staff as they continue our ministry work.
• Give thanks for God’s faithfulness and the bright future we know he has for us.