LEAD PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE NEWS

While the Bible does not explicitly tell us how many leaders should be leading a church, we do see examples of leaders in the Bible who were paired together. In Mark 6:7 we see Jesus sending out the disciples in pairs, “…he began to send them out, two by two…” Throughout the book of Acts, we see the Apostle Paul paired and sent out at different times to proclaim the gospel with Barnabas and Timothy. Furthermore, in Acts, Peter was the main spokesperson for the Church while Paul was a missionary to the Gentiles. They worked together and used their gifts for a common goal, which was to advance the early Church. Sharing leadership in ministry is something that Jesus recognized as beneficial, and it is something that the early Church emulated. Therefore, we believe it is something that the modern Church can emulate as well.

Co-lead pastor model means that both pastors have the same authority to make decisions on vision, leadership, etc. They both lead the church; however, they do not necessarily do all the same things. This model allows each one to use their individual gifts more fully. As the committee has moved through this process, we have been researching many aspects of the wider Church and how it is changing. Post COVID, many people are looking for leaders who can build relationships and community rather than only preach a great sermon. We have seen the increased expectations placed on pastors and realized that no one, besides Jesus, can possess all gifts. Many lead pastors have fallen under the weight of responsibility or because of their lack of accountability. In wanting to care for our leaders well, we realized that having a co-lead pastor model allows each individual to lean into the gifts God has given them, as well as it allows them to shoulder the burden of leadership with another person. In the end, we believe that this will be a healthier model for our leaders and at the same time provide significant benefits to our congregants

An associate pastor is under the supervision of the lead pastor while Co-Lead Pastors are equal and share the pastoral responsibilities according to their giftings.

• The church’s identity is not tied to a pastor.
• Pastors can focus on their strengths and giftings.
• Provides diversity in preaching, vision, and leadership.
• One person does not have to have all the answers or shoulder all the responsibilities.
• Allows for shared responsibility of in-person events.
• Creates continuity in the absence of one pastor (vacation, sabbatical, retirement, illness, etc.).
• Supports and encourages teamwork and collaboration with the vision of the church.
• Creates a support system among two pastors, someone to lean on during times of challenge.

The pastors will focus on their strengths, giftings, and ministry areas of interest. They have prepared their job descriptions, which have been approved by the council.

The pastors will make decisions together. While it may take more time, having two leaders who collaborate on decisions leads to greater accountability and effectiveness. They will work out any disagreements through discussion, prayer, and rely on the work of the Holy Spirit. However, if there is not a consensus, the council will help guide a resolution.

Whether choosing one lead pastor or choosing co-lead pastors, both processes require a step of faith. In addition to continued prayer and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we used a consulting firm that uses data and research to transform organizations. They have a proven track record and their assessment identified personality traits and unique giftings. It provided great insight into how God uniquely wired our staff and our two candidates. With this piece of the puzzle, it will provide the team tools to have immediate results and long-term success.

The pastors will share pulpit responsibilities along with other occasional guest preachers and ministry staff. We believe there is immense benefit from having different voices in the pulpit.

It was of upmost importance for us to choose leaders who emulate integrity in their personal, spiritual, and professional lives. Churches rise and fall on the integrity of their leaders. Our team spent significant time reviewing references for both of our candidates and we spent time meeting with their spouses as well. The pastors we have chosen have a track record of integrity.

Council will work closely with both co-lead pastors to provide feedback on performance and assess progress towards the church’s goals and vision. A Pastoral Encouragement Committee will be evaluating their individual and collaborative performance each year and provide regular support

We believe God has and will continue to provide for ACC. The hiring of both pastors has been considered and approved by the council. They will share the responsibilities that were previously covered by three positions: lead pastor, executive pastor, and associate pastor.

No. If you are an active member, you will be voting to accept both co-lead pastors.

Jodi and Brian’s first Sunday together as co-lead pastors will be April 2nd, 2023.

When considering this model, we found that shared leadership is being used successfully at many Covenant Churches. We, then, collaboratively discussed this shift in leadership models with the current ministry staff and council before moving forward. Before making this recommendation to the congregation, the team felt it was crucial to have the staff and the council prayerfully consider it as well. We have unanimous support from the search team, the applicants, the ministry staff, and the council. We ask the congregation to prayerfully consider the recommendation of the co-lead pastor model and our candidates.