Lead Pastor Update

The Next Chapter of Christ Fellowship

Lead Pastor Update

The Next Chapter of Christ Fellowship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oTurM7gESE

Hear from Richie & Derek

The Story of How We Got Here

DEREK’S SABBATICAL & DISCERNMENT

Over the summer, Derek has been on sabbatical, a time set aside for rest and renewal in the Presence of the Lord and to listen for God’s direction. As this season came to an end, Derek shared with the Board that he believes the Lord is leading him to conclude his season as Lead Pastor of Christ Fellowship. He feels that his path-blazing identity has served its purpose and another leader is needed for the next season of our church.  Derek is excited for what is next at CF as well as for him and his family.  

After prayerful conversation, the Board supports Derek as he steps forward in obedience to God’s leading. Once Derek shared what he sensed from the Lord, we sought God’s guidance together with patience and care. We are grateful for the unity, trust, and mutual respect that have marked this process.

GRATITUDE FOR DEREK & KATE

While this news is bittersweet, our hearts are filled with gratitude for Derek, Kate, and their kids and all they have meant to this church family. For nearly ten years, Derek has faithfully served with passion, vision, and a deep love for Jesus. Through his leadership, God has shaped the mission, culture, and direction of Christ Fellowship. Derek has taught God’s Word faithfully, called us to pursue His Presence, and challenged us to follow Christ wholeheartedly. His love, sacrifice, and faithfulness have left a lasting imprint on our lives, and we are truly better because of his ministry among us.

We want to say clearly how much we love Derek and Kate and their family.  We are for them, praying for them, and trusting God’s goodness over their lives in this new season. We release them with gratitude and bless them with expectation for all that is ahead.

We also want to state clearly that Derek’s transition is not the result of any moral failure or misconduct. His decision was not forced or pressured by the Board. This step reflects Derek’s sincere discernment before the Lord and his desire to follow God’s leading into a new season of life and work.  Derek and his family love what God is doing in and through Christ Fellowship and will continue to call it their home church!

DISCERNING THE NEXT SEASON

As we prayed about the future of Christ Fellowship, one thing became increasingly clear: rather than immediately beginning an external search, we sensed the Lord highlighting what He has already been cultivating within our own church family.

For the past eight years, Richie Christie has faithfully served Christ Fellowship in a variety of leadership roles. Many know him as our Teaching Pastor, but the Board and Staff have also seen his steady leadership behind the scenes and his love for Jesus, commitment to God’s Word, genuine care for people, and desire to see lives transformed through the gospel. Christ Fellowship is not simply where Richie serves; it is home for him and Jenna; the place where their children have been born and raised and where he carries a deep love for this church family. After prayer and open discussion, the Board is both supportive and confident in affirming Richie’s acceptance of the Interim Lead Pastor role for the next six months.

PURPOSE OF THE INTERIM SEASON

We use the word interim intentionally. This season is meant to give Richie and our church the opportunity to walk together in unity, serve side by side, and continue discerning God’s direction with humility and faith.  An interim season allows our church family to experience Richie’s leadership in a natural rhythm while giving space for a thoughtful and prayerful confirmation of a long-term calling. While the Board, Staff, and Richie all sense that the Lord is leading him toward long-term pastoral leadership here, we believe it is wise to let this season grow naturally before making that decision. We move forward with hope, excitement, and confidence, grateful for this step and expectant for how God will lead us together.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE INTERIM SEASON

Near the end of the interim season, the Board will conduct a formal review of the Interim Lead Pastor’s performance and candidacy. If the Board recommends moving forward, a special congregational business meeting will be scheduled. At that meeting, the active members of Christ Fellowship will vote on whether to extend a permanent call to the Lead Pastor role.

OUR MISSION & MINISTRY CONTINUE

One of the defining characteristics of Christ Fellowship has always been our desire to follow God’s voice rather than simply create our own plans. That conviction remains unchanged. Our mission and vision remain the same: helping people encounter God as we hear His voice, grow in freedom, and live out our God-given identity everywhere we go. Our staff is fully engaged, our ministries continue to move forward, and the work God has entrusted to us carries on with passion and purpose. Ministries for children, students, families, adults, outreach, and care will continue serving faithfully as they always have. And as we walk through this transition, we are also excited to dream toward the future, to listen for God’s direction and to anticipate the good things He will lead us into together.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Transitions invite us to look back with gratitude and ahead with expectation, and our hearts are filled with genuine hope. We believe God has been preparing us for this moment and positioning our church for what He desires to do next. This is not the end of a story, but the beginning of a new chapter in the beautiful story He has been writing here for many years. We sense His hand, His timing, and His leadership all over this season.

As we look toward the future, Richie carries a genuine excitement for what God is doing at Christ Fellowship. He steps into this interim season with hope and anticipation, eager to help nurture unity and encourage our church family as we continue becoming all God designed us to be. Richie is committed to fostering the kind of Spirit-led transformation we value as we hear God’s voice, walk in freedom, and live out our God-given identity everywhere we go. In the weeks ahead, there will also be intentional opportunities for our church family to hear Richie’s heart and the hope he carries for this next chapter.

HONORING DEREK & KATE

In the coming weeks, we will have meaningful opportunities to celebrate Derek and Kate and their family, thank them for their faithful ministry, and hear from Derek as he concludes this chapter. As a church, we want to honor the years they have invested, the relationships they have built, and the ways God has used their leadership to shape Christ Fellowship. We hope you will join us as we bless them with love, gratitude, and prayerful support, and as we step forward together with unity and anticipation for all that God has ahead.

A CALL TO PRAYER

We invite you to join us in prayer during this important season: Pray for Derek and Kate as they follow God’s leading; Pray for Richie and Jenna as they step into new responsibilities with humility and faith; Pray for our Board, Staff, deacons, and entire church family—that we would move forward together in love, unity, peace, and trust in the Lord.

As we step into this new season, we do so with complete confidence in God’s faithfulness. Christ Fellowship has never been built on a single person but on Jesus Christ. He has guided us throughout our history, and we trust Him to continue leading us as we keep our eyes fixed on Him. His story for Christ Fellowship is still unfolding, and we are expectant for all He has prepared for us.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” — Numbers 6:24–26

 

– The Board Of Directors at Christ Fellowship

QUESTIONS? EMAIL BOD@CHRISTFELLOWSHIP.ME.

The Story of How We Got Here

DEREK’S SABBATICAL & DISCERNMENT

Over the summer, Derek has been on sabbatical, a time set aside for rest and renewal in the Presence of the Lord and to listen for God’s direction. As this season came to an end, Derek shared with the Board that he believes the Lord is leading him to conclude his season as Lead Pastor of Christ Fellowship. He feels that his path-blazing identity has served its purpose and another leader is needed for the next season of our church.  Derek is excited for what is next at CF as well as for him and his family.  

After prayerful conversation, the Board supports Derek as he steps forward in obedience to God’s leading. Once Derek shared what he sensed from the Lord, we sought God’s guidance together with patience and care. We are grateful for the unity, trust, and mutual respect that have marked this process.

GRATITUDE FOR DEREK & KATE

While this news is bittersweet, our hearts are filled with gratitude for Derek, Kate, and their kids and all they have meant to this church family. For nearly ten years, Derek has faithfully served with passion, vision, and a deep love for Jesus. Through his leadership, God has shaped the mission, culture, and direction of Christ Fellowship. Derek has taught God’s Word faithfully, called us to pursue His Presence, and challenged us to follow Christ wholeheartedly. His love, sacrifice, and faithfulness have left a lasting imprint on our lives, and we are truly better because of his ministry among us.

We want to say clearly how much we love Derek and Kate and their family.  We are for them, praying for them, and trusting God’s goodness over their lives in this new season. We release them with gratitude and bless them with expectation for all that is ahead.

We also want to state clearly that Derek’s transition is not the result of any moral failure or misconduct. His decision was not forced or pressured by the Board. This step reflects Derek’s sincere discernment before the Lord and his desire to follow God’s leading into a new season of life and work.  Derek and his family love what God is doing in and through Christ Fellowship and will continue to call it their home church!

DISCERNING THE NEXT SEASON

As we prayed about the future of Christ Fellowship, one thing became increasingly clear: rather than immediately beginning an external search, we sensed the Lord highlighting what He has already been cultivating within our own church family.

For the past eight years, Richie Christie has faithfully served Christ Fellowship in a variety of leadership roles. Many know him as our Teaching Pastor, but the Board and Staff have also seen his steady leadership behind the scenes and his love for Jesus, commitment to God’s Word, genuine care for people, and desire to see lives transformed through the gospel. Christ Fellowship is not simply where Richie serves; it is home for him and Jenna; the place where their children have been born and raised and where he carries a deep love for this church family. After prayer and open discussion, the Board is both supportive and confident in affirming Richie’s acceptance of the Interim Lead Pastor role for the next six months.

PURPOSE OF THE INTERIM SEASON

We use the word interim intentionally. This season is meant to give Richie and our church the opportunity to walk together in unity, serve side by side, and continue discerning God’s direction with humility and faith.  An interim season allows our church family to experience Richie’s leadership in a natural rhythm while giving space for a thoughtful and prayerful confirmation of a long-term calling. While the Board, Staff, and Richie all sense that the Lord is leading him toward long-term pastoral leadership here, we believe it is wise to let this season grow naturally before making that decision. We move forward with hope, excitement, and confidence, grateful for this step and expectant for how God will lead us together.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE INTERIM SEASON

Near the end of the interim season, the Board will conduct a formal review of the Interim Lead Pastor’s performance and candidacy. If the Board recommends moving forward, a special congregational business meeting will be scheduled. At that meeting, the active members of Christ Fellowship will vote on whether to extend a permanent call to the Lead Pastor role.

OUR MISSION & MINISTRY CONTINUE

One of the defining characteristics of Christ Fellowship has always been our desire to follow God’s voice rather than simply create our own plans. That conviction remains unchanged. Our mission and vision remain the same: helping people encounter God as we hear His voice, grow in freedom, and live out our God-given identity everywhere we go. Our staff is fully engaged, our ministries continue to move forward, and the work God has entrusted to us carries on with passion and purpose. Ministries for children, students, families, adults, outreach, and care will continue serving faithfully as they always have. And as we walk through this transition, we are also excited to dream toward the future, to listen for God’s direction and to anticipate the good things He will lead us into together.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Transitions invite us to look back with gratitude and ahead with expectation, and our hearts are filled with genuine hope. We believe God has been preparing us for this moment and positioning our church for what He desires to do next. This is not the end of a story, but the beginning of a new chapter in the beautiful story He has been writing here for many years. We sense His hand, His timing, and His leadership all over this season.

As we look toward the future, Richie carries a genuine excitement for what God is doing at Christ Fellowship. He steps into this interim season with hope and anticipation, eager to help nurture unity and encourage our church family as we continue becoming all God designed us to be. Richie is committed to fostering the kind of Spirit-led transformation we value as we hear God’s voice, walk in freedom, and live out our God-given identity everywhere we go. In the weeks ahead, there will also be intentional opportunities for our church family to hear Richie’s heart and the hope he carries for this next chapter.

HONORING DEREK & KATE

In the coming weeks, we will have meaningful opportunities to celebrate Derek and Kate and their family, thank them for their faithful ministry, and hear from Derek as he concludes this chapter. As a church, we want to honor the years they have invested, the relationships they have built, and the ways God has used their leadership to shape Christ Fellowship. We hope you will join us as we bless them with love, gratitude, and prayerful support, and as we step forward together with unity and anticipation for all that God has ahead.

A CALL TO PRAYER

We invite you to join us in prayer during this important season: Pray for Derek and Kate as they follow God’s leading; Pray for Richie and Jenna as they step into new responsibilities with humility and faith; Pray for our Board, Staff, deacons, and entire church family—that we would move forward together in love, unity, peace, and trust in the Lord.

As we step into this new season, we do so with complete confidence in God’s faithfulness. Christ Fellowship has never been built on a single person but on Jesus Christ. He has guided us throughout our history, and we trust Him to continue leading us as we keep our eyes fixed on Him. His story for Christ Fellowship is still unfolding, and we are expectant for all He has prepared for us.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” — Numbers 6:24–26

 

– The Board Of Directors at Christ Fellowship

QUESTIONS?

Email bod@christfellowship.me.

FAQs

During his sabbatical, Derek sensed the Lord leading him to conclude his season as Lead Pastor.  He had a strong sense that his ‘path blazing’ identity has served the church well, but now it is time for a new leader in this next season.  Derek doesn’t have definitive plans for his next vocational season but will be looking for invitations from God where he can lead an organization or business into new places, spaces, and mindsets.

No. Derek initiated this decision, and the Board fully supports him after prayerful discernment together. We also want to state clearly that Derek’s transition is not the result of any moral failure or misconduct. His decision was not forced or pressured by the Board. This step reflects Derek’s sincere discernment before the Lord and his desire to follow God’s leading into a new season of life and work.

Derek will be walking in his God-given Kingdom Identity as Path Blazer, looking for new territory to lead an organization or business into.  He is excited to continue ‘ministry’ outside the walls of the church so that the Kingdom of God can be established in new and fresh ways in our community and beyond.  He and his family will continue to call Christ Fellowship their home church!

Richie has faithfully served Christ Fellowship for eight years and carries a deep love for this church family. The Board and Staff have seen his character, leadership, and commitment to God’s Word.  After prayer and open discussion, the Board is both supportive and confident in affirming Richie’s acceptance of the Interim Lead Pastor role for the next six months, with the hope and expectation that he will be presented to the membership for consideration as the permanent Lead Pastor following the interim season.

An interim season of six months allows our church family to experience Richie’s leadership in a natural and healthy rhythm while giving space for thoughtful, prayerful confirmation of a long-term calling. It also allows us time to follow the process outlined in our bylaws for nominating a permanent Lead Pastor. 

Yes, the Board, Staff, and Richie all sense that the Lord is leading him toward long-term pastoral leadership here, but we believe it is wise to let this season grow naturally before making that decision.

Not at this time. The Board sensed the Lord highlighting what He has already been cultivating at Christ Fellowship through Richie Christie’s faithful leadership. 

Near the end of the interim season, the Board will conduct a formal review of the Interim Lead Pastor’s performance and candidacy. If the Board recommends moving forward, a special congregational business meeting will be scheduled. At that meeting, the active members of Christ Fellowship will vote on whether to extend a permanent call to the Lead Pastor role. Further details of this vote and membership will be shared in the coming months.

One of the defining characteristics of Christ Fellowship has always been our desire to follow God’s voice, and that conviction remains unchanged. Our mission and vision remain the same.  Our Staff is fully engaged, our ministries continue to move forward, and the work God has entrusted to us carries on with passion and purpose. Ministries for children, students, families, adults, outreach, and care will continue serving faithfully as they always have. And as we walk through this transition, we are also excited to dream toward the future, listening for God’s direction and anticipating the good things He will lead us into together.

Encourage and pray for them and join us in upcoming opportunities to honor and celebrate their ministry.

Yes. There will be meaningful opportunities to celebrate Derek and Kate and hear from Derek in the coming weeks. Here is the schedule for what is coming up next:

8.30.26 – Derek & Richie teaching together

9.6.26 – Model Love celebration 

9.13.26 – Kate Harden teaching

9.20.26 – Derek’s final message & celebration after services

Pray for wisdom, courage, and grace as Richie steps into this role. Encourage and walk with them in unity.

If you have more questions, please email the Board of Directors at bod@christfellowship.me.