Updates on Lead Pastor Search – FAQs

April 30th, 2025  /  Update: FAQs

What is currently happening in the search?

There are a lot of moving parts that happen during a pastoral transition—there is all the administrative stuff that any job search needs. For us, we have put together a “Discovery Team” (we think that’s a better word than “Search” as we are really discovering the person God has chosen). This team is setting up the timetable, the guidelines, the strategy, and process.

How long is this whole search going to take?

We’re not sure—only God knows this one. It is more important to get the right person than it is to get someone here quickly.

It does take time to get teams in place, job descriptions written and posted, interviews done, reference checks completed, on site visits finished, etc. The average time is anywhere from eight to twelve months. The best answer is: God knows the timing and what we need. But it is a process.

What kind of a person are we looking for?

Obviously, scripture is key here. 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are key passages to read and study. These verses deal with CHARACTER qualities that are essential. But we are also looking for someone CAPABLE in working in a ‘missional church’ with a culture like ours.

Will I stay until we find a new Lead Pastor?

Yup! I love you guys and this place and I can still do the Energizer Bunny thing awhile longer.

What’s next?

I’m going to be meeting with every Life Group to talk about the transition and the process. I want to see how you all are doing and we can talk together to process the feelings, anxieties, and anticipations.

We have formed our “Pastor Discovery Teams” and they are meeting to pull together input from you, as well as meeting with our consultant. After this, job descriptions will be sent out. We’d like to post a ‘dream timeline’ on the website.

So, what can I do in the meantime?

Pray. And then pray some more. God has someone out there right now to bring a strong, effective ministry to Half Moon Bay!

If you have more questions, please feel free to reach out and we can meet together. This is an exciting time as God begins to write a new chapter in our church family and ministry on the Coastside!

I love you and I can’t wait for what God is going to do around here!

Pastor Paul