Our committee remains deeply thankful for your prayers and encouragement as we continue seeking God's direction for our next Senior Pastor.
We are pleased to share that we are actively advancing the process and have begun narrowing our focus as we move closer to a final decision. Over the past several weeks, we conducted second-round interviews with the remaining candidates. These conversations focused on the criteria we established, practical ministry questions, and behavioral questions designed to help us understand each candidate's leadership experience and approach. Through these interviews, we gained valuable insight into how each candidate's gifts, experience, and leadership style might align with Grace Chapel's mission, culture, and needs. We are grateful for the strong candidates God has brought before us! In addition, a group of experienced pastors is serving in an advisory, non-voting role by evaluating the theological depth and teaching content of the candidates' sermons. Their feedback will help inform our ongoing discernment.
Following these in-depth interviews, our committee spent significant time in prayer and in discussion before determining which candidates would move forward to the next stage. We are excited to share that we have now completed the first phase of the process (which included 1st and 2nd round Zoom interviews) and will soon begin the second phase! In the second phase of the process, which will transpire in the coming weeks, the remaining candidates and their spouses will participate in in-person visits. They will meet with the search committee, tour our campuses, and spend time with selected staff members. We hope these interactions will provide deeper insight into each candidate's leadership, relationships, and fit with Grace Chapel.
While we are encouraged by the progress we have made, we recognize that discernment remains an ongoing process. It is possible that one of the current candidates will emerge as the person God is calling to lead Grace Chapel. It is also possible that, for a variety of reasons, the process may not result in a final candidate at this stage. Should that be the case, we trust God's timing and leading and will continue the search with confidence, knowing that faithfully discerning God's will is more important than simply reaching a quick conclusion.
Throughout this journey, we continue to see God's faithfulness. We are thankful for the unity, humility, and trust that have marked our conversations as a committee and for the wisdom God has provided along the way. As the process continues, we ask for your ongoing prayers for wisdom, discernment, and unity. Please also pray for the candidates and their families as they seek God's guidance for the future.
Thank you again for partnering with us in prayer. We remain dependent on the Holy Spirit's leading as we seek the person God is calling to lead Grace Chapel into its next season of ministry.
