Pastoral Transition Update & Timeline

A mid-summer update on the search for the next lead pastor of Oak Pointe Novi.

In the wake of Pastor Bob Shirock’s retirement from teaching ministry at Oak Pointe Novi, this past weekend I had the opportunity to share where the church stands in our Pastoral Transition.

July 2021 Update
Here’s what I shared from the stage this past weekend:
 

• Pastor Bob is still very active in the pastoral transition process and is helping our summer teaching team prepare messages.
• The succession planning team and advisory team are actively meeting and continually praying for wisdom and direction.
• Search consultant, NL Moore & Associates, has posted the Lead Pastor position and is actively searching for our next lead pastor.

What is the Proposed Timeline?
Schedules are always subject to change, but if all goes well, the Pastoral Transition timeline could look like this:

• August 2021: Qualified candidates (likely 4-6) will be presented by NL Moore to the succession planning and advisory teams.
• September 2021: Candidate interviews take place and the search is narrowed to only one or two.
• October 2021: Final candidates will come onsite to be interviewed, engage with the staff and congregation, including teaching on weekends.
• November 2021: The succession planning team recommends a single candidate to the Elder team for approval and to extend an offer for the Novi lead pastor position.
• January 2022: Next Oak Pointe Novi Lead Pastor begins work onsite.

We’ll continue to trust in God to bring the right person at the right time to lead Oak Pointe Novi.

Will the Church’s Direction Change?

The direction of the church will not change during this time of transition due to our commitment to following the church’s vision frame document which outlines our high-level goals. These include:

• Disciples Making Disciples: 50% of attenders in group life environments
• Next Generation Focus: Double % of people under 40 years old
• Taking Risks in Outreach: Double decisions for Christ
• Multiplying Into More Locations: Going from 2 to 4 Oak Pointe Churches

These four initiatives are grounded by our mission statement to make disciples by knowing Jesus and making Him known.

All of our ministries and activities line up under our mission statement and align with one of these four goals. And all our ministries are possible because of your prayers and involvement.

Thank you for praying along with us for God to lead us to the next lead pastor here at Oak Pointe Novi.

Jim Hobbs
Executive Pastor