Pastoral Transition Updates

In 2025, Gospel Community Church entered into a season of leadership transition. Change is not easy and can often lead to confusion and anxiety. At the same time, however, it can lead to incredible transformation and growth. The best metaphor we have found for this season is that of the Wilderness. It is a time of wandering and trusting the Lord as He makes His path clear, rather than jumping to solutions and conclusions to solve the problem in our own strength. We invite you into a season of waiting and trusting alongside us.

Letter from our pastor

Dear Church Family,

After months of prayer and honest conversations, I believe God is leading me, and our church, into a new season.

For 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving GCC. There have been seasons of bold faith and others of quiet struggle. Lately, I’ve sensed that something needs to change, both in me and in how I lead.

My heart is still full of love for our church, but I’m also aware of weariness and a shift in passion. I feel a growing call to invest more in developing leaders and serving the wider Church, both regionally and globally. That shift would require time and focus beyond what I can give while still leading GCC day to day.

I don’t have all the details, but I believe it’s time to begin planning a leadership transition, one that’s thoughtful, prayerful, and healthy. I also hope to take a sabbatical during this season to rest, heal, and listen for what’s next.

I remain committed to leading faithfully until the time is right to step into that new chapter. My hope is to be sent, not just released.

Thank you for your love, your trust, and your prayers. God has great things in store, and I trust He will continue to lead us all forward.

With love,

Pastor Andrew

Pastoral Transition Timeline

  • We shared with the church family that Pastor Andrew will step out of his role at the end of 2025. This began a year of prayerful preparation for leadership transition.

  • A group consisting of the Central Leadership Team as well as the Lead Elder Team was invited to serve as the Transformation Team. Their role is to pray, listen, and help discern the future leadership model for Gospel Community Church.

  • The church gathered for a Family Meeting to hear updates and ask questions. At the same time, Pastor Andrew began a summer sabbatical for rest, renewal, and preparation for the season ahead. The timing of this sabbatical gave the leadership team time to discern where the gaps of Andrew’s leadership would be felt.

  • A series of meetings were set up to create space for congregants to speak into the process, share their concerns and hopes, and join together in prayer, giving room for Jesus to lead this process.

  • The Transformation Team and church leadership will prayerfully consider what leadership structure best serves the mission and vision of GCC.

  • The church will come together for an important Family Meeting to receive updates on the transition process, hear from the Transformation Team, and ask questions. This gathering will also make space for prayer, uniting our church family as we continue to seek Jesus’ guidance for the season ahead.

  • The plan for leadership transition will be finalized and shared with the church, providing clarity for the months ahead.

  • We will take time to honor Pastor Andrew and his family for their faithful service, while also affirming and blessing the new leadership stepping into this next season.

  • On Christmas Eve, Pastor Andrew will officially conclude his role on staff, marking both an ending and a new beginning for him and for Gospel Community Church.

FAQs

  • As a founding pastor, no one can truly replace Pastor Andrew. Our Transformation Team is discerning together with the church what leadership looks like for Andrew’s areas of responsibility.

  • We expect a minimum of 12-18 months of transition time. This gives our church the time needed to discern next steps, identify gaps in responsibilities and leadership, and make an informed decision moving forward.

  • Our leadership community consists of lead and local staff, elders, and deacons, all of whom will play a role in shepherding and leading College Hill. Brenton, Jeff, Jonathan, Zach are available to help answer questions as needed.

  • You are always welcome to reach out to the local elders at your congregation to ask any questions that arise during this process. If they do not have an immediate answer for you, they will be able to either find the answer or direct you to the right person.

  • As often as there is accurate and up to date information, we will update this page. If you have any questions, use the form below to submit them to our Transformation Team.

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