Dear Journey Family –
Hello again Journey family. I’m Keith Collier and I serve on Journey’s Elder Board. Once again we want to take this opportunity to say “thank you”. Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and welcoming heart to others during this time of transition at our church.
Hello again Journey family. I’m Keith Collier and I serve on Journey’s Elder Board. Once again we want to take this opportunity to say “thank you”. Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and welcoming heart to others during this time of transition at our church.
I wanted to take a moment to provide a brief update on our Search for Journey’s next Lead Pastor. First, we would like to thank our Search Committee for their time, effort, and dedication to interviewing the candidates for our Lead Pastor position. We are in the midst of the first round of interviews which includes our Acting Lead Pastor, Pastor Harvey. Our plan is to wrap these up in the next week, and move on to the next round of interviews. With the Christmas season fast approaching, we are hoping to be able to schedule these soon.
As the year is winding down, we look back with excitement. While it has been a year of transition, we rejoice in the number of baptisms, our community being strengthened, and all of us furthering our spiritual journey with Jesus. When we look forward to what is in store for 2026, we do so with great anticipation.
We are grateful for Pastor Harvey’s leadership and our dedicated staff, who are committed to what God has in store for us in the coming year. We are going to be challenged to go deeper in our discipleship, reach more of our community through invitation, become stronger leaders in our homes and in our church, and go farther with our missions.
As we move into the month of December, we look forward to experiencing “Impact Week”. This will help launch us into 2026 focused on having a massive impact in our discipleship and our missions, both local and abroad. All the while inviting people to join us, reaching out to our neighbors, co-workers, families and community, in order to introduce them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We are super excited about this week, so we ask that you pray and seek the Lord’s will on how you can participate and support Journey’s vision for next year.
Once again, thank you church family for your undying, steadfast dedication to our church, and each other. We cannot do any of this without your support and generous hearts. Please join us in seeking God’s direction for Journey Christian Church today, tomorrow, and into the future.
-Journey Elder Leadership
elders@journeychristian.com
FAQs
Thank you for praying for our church during this season of transition. As elders, we want to keep you informed, invite your input, and ask for your continued prayer. Our desire is to move with wisdom, patience, and unity as we prepare for the next lead pastor God has for Journey Christian Church.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions that we believe will provide some clarity on this season of transition.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions that we believe will provide some clarity on this season of transition.
What happens with the Church during this time of transition?
During this time of transition, the mission and ministry of Journey continue. Our elders provide spiritual oversight, and our staff and volunteers lead day-to-day ministry with focus and faith. We are a healthy church, and God is moving. Lives are being changed, people are being baptized, and the Gospel is being shared. Journey is still Journey. We will keep gathering for worship, preaching God’s Word, serving our community, and making disciples.
Why does this take time?
We are asking God for the right pastor, not the fastest solution. Careful prayer, interviews, and references protect both the church and the candidate. Our initial focus was on ensuring that Pastor Harvey as our Acting Lead Pastor and Pastor Kevin as our Executive Pastor were supported to lead the staff and church through this season. We have great belief in Pastor Harvey and Pastor Kevin’s leadership for this season.
What are the key qualifications?
The elders have been praying and seeking the Lord’s wisdom regarding the qualifications for Journey’s next lead pastor, and while not exhaustive, the following represents key qualities we believe are necessary.
A clear call from God to serve the local church. A life that aligns with 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Solid doctrine. Proven leadership and preaching that is faithful to Scripture and helpful in building a person’s walk with Christ. Emotional maturity. A shepherd heart for people of all ages and backgrounds. A unifying leader who looks to empower and lead through Staff and the Pastors. A generous pastor with a heart for the local and global church (Missions).
A clear call from God to serve the local church. A life that aligns with 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Solid doctrine. Proven leadership and preaching that is faithful to Scripture and helpful in building a person’s walk with Christ. Emotional maturity. A shepherd heart for people of all ages and backgrounds. A unifying leader who looks to empower and lead through Staff and the Pastors. A generous pastor with a heart for the local and global church (Missions).
Is Pastor Harvey being considered?
Yes, Pastor Harvey possesses the qualities of a strong lead pastor. He comes with great experience as a gifted communicator and leader. He has a deep love for Journey and will be considered for this position.
How will the church family be involved?
We will provide updates as available, invite focused prayer, and share opportunities to meet a finalist at the right time.
What if I have concerns or feedback?
Please share them with the elders at elders@journeychristian.com. Your voice matters and will be received with care.
Who leads the church during the search?
Our elders provide spiritual oversight and our staff team leads day-to-day ministry. Ministry continues with focus and faith.