Pastor Search | Jersey Baptist Church

UPDATES

Click READ MORE below for a summary of our communications regarding the Pastor Search process.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17
Posted to the Pastor Search page - Matt Read's responses to questions that were submitted.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
Matt Read preached in view of a call

MONDAY, AUGUST 7
Posted Matt Read's bio
Posted Matt's responses to the Baptist Faith & Message

MONDAY, AUGUST 7
Letter sent to all registered members informing them of important upcoming dates. We will also reminded them of the opportunity to register and submit questions.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 2023
Church Council recommends Matt Read as our proposed candidate for Senior Pastor

Statement from Church Council
From the very beginning of long-range planning, Church Council had discussions of VISION and how we would come to know the next Pastor. VISION is the most powerful tool to guide any organization. At the time we did not see the significance of Matt’s entry point but today we can look back and realize now that God had a plan. Matt has a VISION for the Church that encompasses and embraces the possibilities of change and growth, while building on the success of Pastor John’s 42 years of humble servanthood and commitment to God’s will. We are excited and look forward to helping support Matt and his team … God’s Team … God’s Church … to new heights and new opportunities to serve His Kingdom.

From the early days of the search process, Council committed to setting aside any personal agendas or feelings to humbly and earnestly seek the Lord’s leading. Continual prayer has been the backbone since the beginning – both from the Search Committee and from everyone in the church. It would have been easy for us to simply present our internal candidate and save ourselves a lot of time and effort, but that is not where the Lord led. We followed every lead, had a lot of conversations, and used all of our resources to search for candidates all across the country. I am happy to say that the Lord led us right back to the guy who has been here for eight years.
-Marc Richcreek, Chairman of Church Council

After spending the last seven months following God's leading in the search for the next Pastor at Jersey, I can say I have complete confidence that Matt is God's man for this role. He has a genuine love for the people of Jersey, a heart that desires for all people to know the Lord, and a humble and teachable spirit that sets him apart. I am excited to see God use Matt as the shepherd of the flock at Jersey, as we continue to follow God's call for His church.
-Jeremy Young, Vice Chairman of Church Council

Click here to read Matt's bio.

Read Matt's response to the Baptist Faith and Message here.

Matt responds to your questions here.

IMPORTANT DATES
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
Matt will preach in View of a Call during all morning services.
Normal Sunday morning schedule.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
Meet Matt & Mary at 11:30AM in North Venue
If you do not know Matt, this is an excellent opportunity for you to meet Matt and his wife, Mary.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20
In-Person Vote on Matt Read in all morning services.
Registered church members will vote on Matt Read as our next Senior Pastor.
Normal Sunday morning schedule.

MAY 18, 2023
Email Update to the Church
From Marc Richcreek, Chairman of Church Council and Search Committee Chair

Hello church family,
I wanted to provide an update in order to keep everyone informed about the status of the pastor search process. The search committee continues to work diligently as we move through our search.

We feel God is calling us to be patient, and we are taking the time we feel is necessary as we work through the interview process. This is a critical step as we seek God's guidance for direction. It is important for the search team, the candidates that we interview, and our church family.

During this time, it is crucial for all members of the church to continue praying for guidance and wisdom for the search committee and those we interview. We must remain patient and trust in the process, knowing that our Heavenly Father has a plan for our church family and its leadership into the future.

I would also like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the patience and understanding that our church family has shown throughout this process. It can be difficult to wait at times, but we must trust in God's timing.

As we continue to move forward together, I am looking forward to our church family spending more time together in prayer during our Sunday, May 28 worship services. I have enjoyed our corporate times of prayer as a church family over the past few months.

We will be praying specifically for
-Patience and wisdom for the search committee
-Unity and humility for Jersey as a body
-For God’s will to be accomplished

I would like to encourage each one of us to begin praying these prayers. Let us continue to pray for and support our search committee as they navigate through this process. We must remain patient and have faith that God will provide us with HIS chosen leader for our church.

Please feel to reach out if you have any questions.
email |

Thank you!
Marc

MARCH 29, 2023
Email Update to the Church

On Wednesday, March 29, we sent a church-wide email update. We informed the church that additional questions were added to the FAQ section of the Pastor Search page on the website. We informed the church of the time of prayer we had on Sunday, March 26. And we invited the church to our next Night of Prayer for of Pastor Search (Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30PM in the Chapel).

SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2023
This past Sunday, Jim Wells (from our Church Council and Pastor Search Team) shared a brief update on our Senior Pastor Search and led our church family in a time of prayer.

Jim shared that we have narrowed the candidate pool down to just a small handful of candidates. Knowing this portion of our search process will take time, Jim asked for our church family to remain patient and to pray. Jim then led the church in a time of prayer. We are listing the various ways we all can be praying as the search process continues.
-Our great God to lead every aspect
-Search Team and His choice sensitive to His Spirit
-Jersey members faithful to pray
-Unity of our church in everything

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023
Jim Wells (Church Council) led a dedicated time of prayer for our pastor search.

On Wednesday night at 6:30PM, Jim led all in attendance in prayer for dedicated time of prayer for each area listed below. Please continue praying for each of these areas in the weeks ahead.
-Unity during time of transition
-Protection from Satan's wiles and attacks
-Wisdom for the pastor search team
-Preparation of the hearts of all candidates
-Wisdom for all candidates
-The whole search, evaluation, and recommendation process
-For all of Jersey to be faithful in their prayer support

SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2023
Update from Marc Richcreek (our Church Council Chairman and Search Committee Chair) given in all Sunday morning services

As we move through the process of finding the man God has prepared to be our new Senior Pastor, the Search Committee wanted to share an update.

We have moved to Step 3 of the planned 5 step process. Step 2 was Identification, where we were accepting applications and narrowing the pool of candidates. Step 3 begins the more intensive work of vetting the remaining candidates. We will be listening to sermons, reading any online content they’ve produced, reviewing social media history, and having conversations with each candidate. In order to be as thorough as possible we will be deliberate and take the time needed to complete the process.

Please continue to pray for the committee, the church, and each candidate as we seek God’s will.

FEBRUARY 21, 2023
Email Update to the church - from the Search Committee Chair
From Marc Richcreek
Chairman of Church Council and Pastor Search Committee Chair
I wanted to update you on where we stand in the search process and also share specific ways you can pray alongside us. We are still accepting applications, but plan to take the job posting down at the beginning of March. We have received nearly 100 applications to date. Many of those applicants have been eliminated and we are in the process of informing those who will move on to the next phase.

Please join us as we pray for both the candidates and the committee. Pray that we would continue to submit to God’s perfect will. I also invite you to pray for continued unity among the body here at Jersey, both now and into the future. We are so grateful for your support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with thoughts or questions either via the Pastor Search email, or of course as you see us around at church.
Thank you!
Marc

FEBRUARY 6, 2023
Email Update to the church
We updated the FAQ's section of our Senior Pastor Search website page.
We took common themes and questions for the January 15 an 18 Q & A sessions to update the FAQ section on this page.

JANUARY 18, 2023
Questions and Answers
Church Council invited the church for a time of question and answers at 6:00PM in the Chapel.

JANUARY 15, 2023
Questions and Answers
Church Council met with On-Campus Grow Groups to address questions about the search process.

JANUARY 9, 2023
Search process begins
The search for our new Senior Pastor began. The search team began receiving resumes of potential candidates.

JANUARY 8, 2023
Church-wide email blast was sent to church family
After more than four decades of faithful service to our church, Pastor John has decided to retire from his role as Senior Pastor.
Pastor John shared this morning...
“this has been forty-two years of the
most joy-filled pastoring anyone could ever dream of."
The announcement of Pastor John’s retirement means that Church Council will immediately begin the search process for our next Senior Pastor. Pastor John will continue to lead the church until a new Senior Pastor is in place.

JANUARY 8, 2023
Pastor John announced his upcoming retirement from Jersey Church
On January 8, 2023 (during our Sunday morning services), Pastor John announced his plan to retire from Jersey Church.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS HAPPENING?
After more than four decades of faithful service to the church at Jersey, Pastor John has decided to retire from his role as Senior Pastor at Jersey Church.

WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING?
Pastor John made his announcement regarding his retirement on January 8. Church Council has a framework (see timeline below) that we believe will identify the next Senior Pastor God has ordained to lead Jersey. Pastor John will continue to lead the church until a new Senior Pastor is in place.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR JERSEY CHURCH?
The announcement of Pastor John’s retirement means that the Church Council will immediately begin the search process for our next Senior Pastor. While we work through that process, there will be no deviation from Jersey’s current ministry emphasis or our call from God to create C2 (Care & Connect) disciples. We do not expect this to be a period where the church disengages from its call and waits for God’s man to arrive. Pastor John will continue to lead until God directs us through the search process for our next Senior Pastor.

HOW LONG DO WE EXPECT THE SEARCH PROCESS TO TAKE?
For the men and women of the Search Committee to do a thorough and complete job in identifying, screening, and interviewing potential internal and external candidates, we expect the process to extend into the fall of 2023.

DOES THIS CHANGE OUR MISSION, VALUES, OR MINISTRIES?
We do not expect the DNA of the church to change and will remain committed to the Baptist Faith and Message (June 2000) as our statement of faith. Jersey will continue caring for people and connecting them to Christ. The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) remains our driving force, and our values will remain rooted in:
Scripture is our authority
Caring is our heartbeat
Sharing Christ is our lifestyle
Missions is our mindset
Change is our opportunity

WHAT CAN I DO?
You can pray. Praying will be the most significant part of the search process. The number one priority of the search is to ask the Lord to lead us to the man He has chosen to be the next shepherd to the flock at Jersey. You can also encourage qualified candidates to apply.

HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED WITH UPDATES?
We will use this page to share regular updates on the search process.

We have also set up an email address where church members can submit questions that they may have through the search process:

IS PASTOR JOHN PART OF THE SENIOR PASTOR SEARCH TEAM?
Pastor John is not part of the search team or the search process. The Search Committee members are Marc Richcreek, Scot Burdette, Shaun Kniffin, Jeremy Young, Carl Sauder, Jim Wells, Neisha Grubaugh, and Ali Brereton.
You can email pastorsearch@jerseychurch.org with questions.

ARE THERE ANY PLANS FOR THE CURRENT CHURCH STAFF OR LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE?
There are no planned changes for our current staff or the structure of the staff. There are no plans for the church leadership structure to change. You can learn more about our current structure by following this link: https://jerseychurch.org/church-structure/

ARE WE ONLY LOOKING EXTERNALLY, OR ARE THERE INTERNAL CANDIDATES?
We will consider anyone who submits an application. That includes both internal and external applicants.

ARE WE USING ANY THIRD PARTY HELP WITH THE SEARCH (SBC, STATE CONVENTION, ETC.)?
We have posted the position on the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) job board. Outside of that, we are not using any third party to assist with the search.

WILL WE HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE CANDIDATE BEFORE WE VOTE?
Yes. The committee will put together a biographical sketch of the candidate and include links to sermons they’ve preached and any other pertinent information. The candidate will also preach at Jersey before a vote is taken.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JOB? DO THEY HAVE TO BE SOUTHERN BAPTIST?
An outline of requirements can be found in Article VI of the Church Constitution (click here). Additional requirements can be found in the job posting (here). Southern Baptist affiliation is not a specific requirement but the candidate’s theology must be consistent with the Baptist Faith and Message.

WHAT SORT OF THEOLOGICAL QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED?
Each candidate that made it through the initial screening process was sent a theological questionnaire. Those questions can be found here, and the answers submitted by the final candidate will be published prior to the vote being held. The candidates will also be thoroughly vetted during the interview process to ensure that they align with Jersey on additional theological and social issues.

WILL WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO QUESTION THE FINAL CANDIDATE?
The church will have the opportunity to submit questions to be answered by the final candidate before the vote is held. The Search Committee will be responsible for compiling the questions submitted by the church into a single document to be filled out by the candidate. Depending on the number of questions submitted we may condense them into recurring themes. We will set a date and method for submitting questions when we have more clarity on the timing of recommending a candidate.

WHAT WILL THE VOTING PROCESS LOOK LIKE?
The Search Committee will release biographical information on the final candidate, including his answers to the theological questionnaire and questions submitted by the church.

The candidate will preach on a Sunday morning shortly after the candidate information is sent out.

After the candidate preaches, the church will have a week to review the information for the candidate and most importantly, pray to seek confirmation of God’s leading.

The candidate will preach again, ideally the following Sunday. That same Sunday, Church Council will formally recommend the candidate and the vote will be held.

SEARCH TIMELINE

1. PREPARATION

We have been taking steps to establish the search team process, candidate criteria, and prepare communications with staff and congregation.
Ends: January 8, 2023

2. IDENTIFICATION

We are ready to establish the application process and nomination process. We will advertise the job opening and begin receiving applications to prepare a list of candidates.
Begins: January 8, 2023

3. EVALUATION

We will review, evaluate, and classify all candidates as we prepare for the top candidate interviews.

4. SELECTION

We will select final candidate and prepare to make recommendation to the church. Candidate will preach at Jersey. Church will vote on proposed candidate.

5. COMPLETION

We will hire, relocate (if needed), and begin the installation of a new Senior
Pastor. The search will conclude at this point and the Senior Pastor transition will begin.

Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God on my behalf. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, and that, by God’s will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you.
-Romans 15:30-32

HOW TO CONTACT OUR SEARCH TEAM

If you have additional questions, please email our Search Team |

Our Senior Pastor Search Team:
Ali Brereton
Scot Burdette
Neisha Grubaugh
Shaun Kniffin
Marc Richcreek (Chairman)
Carl Sauder
Jim Wells
Jeremy Young

Announcing our new Senior Pastor, Matt Read