Pastoral Transition at East Hill
Pastor Keith has decided that his time leading at East Hill is coming to a close. His last Sunday will be July 27. We are sad to see Pastor Keith and Coco go, and we love them very much. Yet we believe that if God is calling them on, then He also has great things in store for East Hill, and our best days of fruitfulness are ahead of us.
As a Foursquare church, we have a process for choosing a new pastor. When a pastor feels called to a new season, we move into a discernment process to determine the next pastor(s). Foursquare’s bylaws state that lead pastors are chosen and appointed by the District Supervisor. We’ve found this works best when we engage in a collaborative, discerning process. Specifically, the Northwest Supervisory Team and the Regional Pastor work with the Church Council, as representatives of the church body.
Here is what you can expect during this transition:
- The District Supervisory Team, the East Hill Staff, and the Church Council build a Pastoral Profile. This document, unique to East Hill, explores who the church is, who our community is, and the qualifications and gifts we're looking for in the next pastor. We completed this on June 24.
- This document will then be used by the District Supervisory Team to vet potential candidates. We have a variety of conversations, with the goal of identifying a candidate(s) that would best serve the church well, based on the Profile, conversation and prayer.
- Once the District determines one candidate (or couple), we will present them to the church council. The church council will meet with them.
- Following this, the candidate and the church council spend a few days in prayer. The decision is a communal discerning process, led by the District Supervisor, or a member of his team.
- Once a pastor is affirmed, we'll share this news with the church body. We'll also work with them on a timeline.
The Plan for August 2025
We have a great preaching schedule in store for the church for August 3 through August 31. This is a combination of East Hill team members and guest speakers. All our events and activities will continue as planned, and the staff and key volunteers are still here and available as needed.
If a pastor isn't chosen before September 2025
Please know that Foursquare is committed to serving East Hill well, walking the church through this transition, and contending for God's very best to lead us into a more fruitful future. If we haven’t identified the next Lead Pastor for East Hill before September, we will appoint an Interim Pastor. This Interim Pastor will lead Sunday mornings, provide support for the staff, and be available for some pastoral care. An Interim Pastor helps create stability in a transition and ensures that the church is well cared for and led during this time.
Celebrating Pastors Keith and Coco
Pastor Keith’s last day is Sunday, July 27. Following the morning service, there will be a reception for Pastor Keith and Coco. We’ll have refreshments, and you’ll have an opportunity to say thank you to them both. We’ll have a basket if you’d like to bring them a card with your well wishes. Everyone is welcome and invited.