We are grateful to share an update on the progress of the Senior Pastor Search process. Over the past several weeks, our team has been meeting regularly to interview the initial round of candidates while continually seeking God’s guidance together through prayer. Once again, we want to express our deep gratitude to you—our brothers and sisters in Christ—for faithfully praying for us as we walk through this important season.
At our most recent meeting, we spent time discussing each candidate and discerning who should move forward to the next round of interviews. Throughout this process, it has been evident that the Holy Spirit is at work within our team. Although each of us brings different perspectives and experiences, we have been able to work together with unity, humility, and mutual respect. We are thankful for the spirit of openness and trust God has created among us—allowing us to speak honestly, challenge one another thoughtfully, and listen well to each other as we seek discernment together.
In the coming weeks, we will begin conducting longer and more in-depth interviews with the second-round candidates. We are preparing thoughtful and exploratory questions designed to help us gain deeper insight into each individual’s background, leadership, calling, and experience. Our hope is that these conversations will help clarify which candidates may be best suited for the next stage of the process.
At the same time, several additional candidates have recently expressed interest in the Senior Pastor role and have applied through Vanderbloemen. Wanting to move according to God’s timing rather than our own, we will also be conducting first-round interviews with these individuals. In addition, we have asked an external group of diverse, experienced pastors (non-voting) who have agreed to evaluate the theological depth and the teaching content of the first-round candidate sermons.
Through every step of this process, we continue to pray for hearts and minds that are surrendered to God’s leading—not centered on our individual preferences, but open to what He desires for Grace Chapel. One prayer that has especially resonated with our team is this: “God, we really want to want what You want.”
Thank you for continuing to partner with us in prayer. We are deeply grateful for your support, encouragement, and trust as we seek God’s direction together.
