Senior Pastor Search

Learn about the search process for our next senior pastor and how you can come alongside in prayer through this season.
Stay informed by checking this page regularly, and by subscribing to the weekly Woodway News email.

How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. – Psalm 31:19

Search Team Vote | Feb 9 | 9:30 + 11:00 am Services

This Sunday, our church family will gather to select the Pastor Search Team through a paper ballot during both the 9:30 and 11:00 am services. Please take a moment to review the important voting guidelines below:

• Both in-person and online voting will be available during worship service hours (9:30 – Noon)  – look for the form to be posted here by Sunday morning
• Church membership required – only members may vote
• Legible ballots – your name must be clearly printed
• Candidate selection – you may choose up to three women and three men

Over the past week, the Personnel Committee has thoroughly reviewed and finalized your nominations, selecting the top candidates listed below. The Search Team will be composed of three women and three men, along with Rodney Bowden, who has been appointed as the Personnel Committee’s representative.

As we prepare for this important decision, we encourage you to read through the candidates, and prayerfully consider your selections.

WOMEN
Brooklyn Bolton

Anne Ferguson
Vicki Lassiter
Monica Matthews
Nancy Purdy
Laura Schmeltekopf
Kim Scott
Susan Wommack

MEN
Mike Hollingsworth

Alan Johnston
Tom Lindsey
David Myers
JB Owen
Jake Roye
Jeremy Webb
Lance Winterrowd

Thank you for being part of this important journey. We believe God is at work, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!

Jan 12
Town Hall Meeting

Jan 19-26
Receive nominations for Search Team

Jan 26-Feb 8
Personnel Committee counts nominations, vets nominees, and creates ballots

Feb 9
Search Team Vote | | 9:30 + 11:00 am Services
The church family will come together to elect the Pastor Search Team by paper ballot during both services on Sunday, February 9. The Personnel Committee is currently reviewing and finalizing the top candidates from last week’s nomination process. If you are subscribed to the Woodway News email list, you will receive an email on Monday, February 3, with the final list of candidates to be included on the ballot. If you haven’t signed up for the Woodway News weekly email, you can do so through the app, website, or by emailing communications@firstwoodway.org—we’d be happy to add you! Please remember that members must be present to vote; online voting is not available. Thank you for being part of this important journey. We believe God is at work, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!

Feb 9-15
Personnel Committee counts votes and informs Search Team of results

Feb 16
– Search Team presented to church
– Church commissions Search Team in prayer in both services
– Search Team orientation begins

Mar 2
Slingshot Group will be on-site to conduct listening sessions and coach the Search Team

The nomination period opens Sunday, Jan 19 at 9:30 am and will close at 1:00 pm on Sunday, Jan 26
–        Nominations can be submitted online here
–        Nominations can be submitted through paper ballot. Forms are available around the church campus via literature displays, at the welcome desk, and in the church office.

You must be a church member to nominate someone for the Search Team; therefore, all paper nomination forms must be legibly signed, and online nominations require logging into CCB.

Each church member may nominate up to six people (three women & three men) who fit the criteria for a Search Team member.

The Personnel Committee will count and vet the top nominees, and those names will be placed on a paper ballot.

The church will make the vote for the Search Team by paper ballot in both Sunday services on Feb 9. You must be physically present to vote (no email or online votes will be considered).

When you pray over your nominations, please consider whether that individual appears to meet the following criteria. The Personnel Committee will vet nominees in each of these areas.

Each Search Team member must be:

  • A committed Christian, actively involved in First Woodway and its ministries
  • Faithful to support the church through consistent giving
  • Willing to spend the necessary time for the search process
  • A member of First Woodway for at least three years
  • At least 21 years of age
  • Committed to represent the entire church (fiduciary)
  • Neither a member of the church staff, nor a spouse of anyone serving on the church staff

For Paul and Linda, Lord, we ask …
– That the peace of your presence would sustain them as they “finish well”
– For the grace to hear Your voice say, “Well done, my good and faithful servants”
– To fill their hearts with a spirit of hope and excitement as they prepare to enter a new season of life together

For First Woodway Staff, Lord, we ask …
– To unite their hearts together with a peace that surpasses understanding
– For the grace to be a non-anxious presence as they continue to serve faithfully
– For an unshakable and hope-filled trust in your sovereign guidance

For the church family, Lord, we ask …
– That we would soak this entire season in prayer
– To keep the enemy and his schemes of division and fear far from our hearts
– To direct the gaze of our hearts toward you, uniting us with faith, hope, and love

For the Search Team, Lord, we ask …
– To draw individuals who will seek your will above all else
– For your spiritual covering over them and their families in the season to come
– That you would attune their hearts to your Spirit that they might prayerfully discern your voice

For our next Pastor, Lord, we ask …
– That even now, you begin preparing his heart for this call
– That you would protect him, his marriage, and his family throughout this discernment process
– That upon accepting your call, he would lead with a servant’s heart, reflecting your humility, love, and wisdom