Announcing Our Senior Pastor Search Committee

Senior Pastor Search Committee Selection Process

As we begin the search for Grace Chapel's next Senior Pastor, the Search Launch team of elders  wants to share how we selected the members of our Senior Pastor Search Committee. This process was anchored in prayer, seeking God's direction to call and equip the right individuals for this sacred work. The Search Launch Committee conducted thorough due diligence, learning from the previous search through interviews and conversations with staff, congregants, and former search committee members. With this information, we were able to make  several improvements to our search launch process.

Congregational Nominations

Once the search launch process was established, we began with an open call for nominations from the congregation, staff, central ministry leaders and campus teams  inviting everyone to prayerfully consider individuals who demonstrate spiritual maturity, wisdom, and a deep love for the mission of Grace Chapel. Nominations were welcomed for both others and oneself.

A Strong Response

We were deeply encouraged by the response  as we received over 150 nominations.  This outpouring reflected the congregation’s engagement, care, and shared commitment to the future of our church. Every nomination was carefully cataloged to capture details such as membership status, tenure at Grace Chapel, and demographics, gender, age, etc. Most nominations included thoughtful justifications, and for those with limited information, we consulted campus pastors to gain additional insight into the nominee’s relevant experience.

Clear Criteria for Selection

The Elder Board prayerfully established criteria to guide the discernment process. Nominees were considered based on:

• A consistent walk with Christ and spiritual maturity. Seeking the Lord’s guidance above all else and having a broad view of the church and its mission
• Demonstrated faithfulness in attendance, service including small group leadership, volunteer leadership, Assisting/Past elders, etc.
• Balanced representation of both long-time members and newer members across campuses, ministries, age groups, and demographics
• Experts in their field or demonstrating other significant leadership experience
• Experience in leadership, discernment, or team collaboration
• Include 1–2 members who have experience in hiring or leadership search processes, while always keeping the spiritual component primary
• Willingness to serve faithfully and maintain confidentiality

Prayerful Review and Discernment

Narrowing more than 150 nominations down to nine final members was a thoughtful, multi-month process that involved carefully evaluating each candidate against our established criteria. Most of those selected received multiple nominations, which spoke to the character and the strengths they would bring to this important role. Drawing from lessons learned in the previous search, we intentionally kept the committee size at nine members. With such a strong pool of nominations, we prioritized selecting individuals who had not previously served on the search committee. At the same time, we consulted with several former committee members including previous search Chair Carrie Tibbles, whose insights and guidance proved invaluable. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and wisdom throughout this journey

Our staff have demonstrated remarkable dedication and leadership during this season of transition, wholeheartedly stepping into expanded roles to help Grace Chapel carry on  its mission and ministry. Including a staff member on the committee ensures a firsthand understanding of Grace Chapel's daily ministry life, culture, and operational dynamics, allowing for evaluations that balance spiritual discernment with practical alignment to the church's mission, staff structure, and congregational needs. Josiah Kish, our staff nominee, exemplifies these qualities and will bring this vital perspective to the committee

Sharon Whitehead, who brings deep experience from her involvement in the previous search, will serve as Search Coordinator. In this critical behind-the-scenes, non-voting role, she ensures the committee operates efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with both spiritual and organizational goals. As Grace Chapel's Human Resources Director, Sharon provides professional rigor, confidentiality, and stability that strengthens the integrity and effectiveness of the entire search process. She will also be supported by Bethany Chase as needed.

We are blessed to have Kurt Drescher  serve as Vice Chair. Kurt lives and breathes Grace Chapel. He knows our DNA, ministry ethos, history, and hopes. With his strong networking within the Christian community, Gordon College and deep understanding of the church’s journey, he brings a wealth of experience and discernment to this leadership role.

Finally, the Search Chair role will be Elder Board Chair, Victor Gerdes, ensuring the search process aligns closely with the board’s long-term vision. Given the significance of this hire and our recent transition with Pastor Joshua, this alignment will foster clear communication, streamlined decision-making, and a unified sense of purpose.

Follow-Up Conversations

Selected nominees were contacted to confirm their interest, availability, and understanding of the commitment required. These conversations helped ensure that each potential member was ready to serve with both heart and time.

Final Selection and Confirmation

After much prayer and consideration, the Elder Board confirmed the final members of the Senior Pastor Search Committee. The team represents a thoughtful balance of perspectives—men and women from different campuses, life stages, and ministry backgrounds—united by a shared love for Christ and Grace Chapel.  The following members of the congregation complete the membership of the Senior Pastor Search Committee: 

The committee members were announced to the congregation with gratitude for all who participated in the nomination process. We also reached out to those not selected to express appreciation for their willingness to serve.

As this new chapter begins, we invite the entire Grace Chapel family to join us in praying for the Search Committee, that God would grant them wisdom, unity, and spiritual discernment as they seek His leading in identifying our next Senior Pastor.