Dear Journey Family –
I’m hoping this message finds you well as we prepare for a new year here at Journey Christian Church. For those who I haven’t had the privilege to meet, my name is Brian McIntosh, and I am currently serving in the Chairman role on the elder team here at Journey Christian Church.
I’m hoping this message finds you well as we prepare for a new year here at Journey Christian Church. For those who I haven’t had the privilege to meet, my name is Brian McIntosh, and I am currently serving in the Chairman role on the elder team here at Journey Christian Church.
I want to start off this new year of 2026 by saying: Thank You Journey. Despite being in a year of transition, you are continuing to truly step-up in incredible ways. When I think of what happened in 2025 and what is to come - I’m reminded of the words Jesus spoke to his disciples just before leaving this Earth over 2000 years ago, found in Matthew 28:18-20:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Those words are the mission we continue to live out 2000 years later as a local church in Apopka, Florida where we get to be a small part of God’s church across the world.
Think about the impact that we've had in 2025:
God allowed us to perform more baptisms here than any previous year at Journey. That’s incredible! We are teaching people not just on Sunday, but in our Life Groups and Discipleship Groups as people continue to get connected to a God that loves us more than we’ll ever know. We are reaching the world – starting locally with opportunities like Food 4 Life and the Jordan Smelski’s Sporting Good store. We even served more sites than we ever have – during our widely participated Serve Day events. All this while faithfully giving to support our staff and missions, both local and abroad.
As you can see – God allowed us to live out the mission Jesus gave us in 2025 – and we plan to continue living out that same mission in 2026 and beyond.
By the way - I hope you can join me in personally thanking Pastor Harvey for stepping in as the Acting Lead Pastor during this time for our church. We continue thriving because he has submitted to God’s plan for Journey during this season, and we’re so thankful for that.
And while we’re on that subject, we understand the Lead Pastor role is going to be crucial to keep all of us aligned to the mission. Hopefully the following quick update on the Lead Pastor search will show the progress we made since our last update.
At this time – we have now completed our 1st round of interviews and will be finishing our 2nd round of interviews in the next few weeks, with a goal to reach a decision in the next couple months. We know it seems like a long process in making this decision, but we are being sensitive to God’s timing and His will in this process. We also know this decision will be of the upmost importance here at Journey for our church today and into the future years. We ask that you continue to pray for our Pastors, Staff, Elders and entire church community during this time.
We all must remain faithful to the true leader of our church, and that is Jesus Christ. He is the One who is leading us and guiding us through this season – and I’m so thankful he said in the mission statement shared in Matthew 28 – “He will be with us always, to the very end of the age.”
Just think of what we can do to serve him, with His guidance, into 2026 and beyond.
We must remain strong, courageous, and remain faithful to His church where “Everybody’s Welcome, Nobody’s Perfect, and with Jesus, All Things are Possible”.
We must remain strong, courageous, and remain faithful to His church where “Everybody’s Welcome, Nobody’s Perfect, and with Jesus, All Things are Possible”.
Please let us know if you have any other questions about anything here at Journey. We are here to serve you.
Thank you again Journey family, for your faithfulness and patience as we continue to seek God’s will together.
I am loving the Journey – and I pray you are too!
-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.