Pastor Hank will be retiring, in 2025, after 25 years of ministry here at Coastal, and we are in the process of prayerfully searching for the next Lead Pastor the Lord has prepared to lead us.
What are we looking for in the next Lead Pastor?
Some have asked what we’re looking for in the next Lead Pastor. We’re looking for someone who loves the Lord and people, someone who:
- has experience leading a larger church
- is a gifted communicator
- is a strategic thinker
- is a leader with a proven track record
The Process
We’re working with an outside consulting company that specializes in walking with churches going through these kinds of transitions. There have been over 150 resumes received for this position from people all over the country. That has been narrowed to 7 possible candidates. In recent weeks we’ve interviewed 7 solid candidates and have narrowed these down and are setting up second interviews. These interviews are scheduled to happen between July 15th and 31st.
We will continue to pray and interview and narrow down our the candidate pool. Please join us in praying for God’s direction for Coastal during this time. Other candidates may jump into the mix as we seek God’s direction, they will get the same process of interviews.
Once the online interviews are completed the rest of the process will involved face to face interviews and connections, and once we have identified the person God has chosen for Coastal, we will bring them here to meet you and to preach.
After that the membership of Coastal will vote to call them as the next Lead Pastor.
How can I Pray?
When this process comes to your mind, I hope you’ll see that as Gods’ way of prompting you to lift this process up in prayer.
- Pray for the Brooks’ as they prepare for retirement
- Pray for the church as we go through this transition
- Pray for the staff as they adjust to a change in leadership
- Pray for our Elder Team to be led by the Lord, following his leadership and guidance throughout the whole process. Pray for discernment.