Lead Pastor Hiring Process


  • The Hiring Team is made up of 8 individuals. The four current lay-elders from our Executive Team, plus four additionally selected individuals from the congregation.  These are the 8 members of the team :


    Executive Team Members : Bob Thennis, Steve Brown, Jeff Kerley, Jamie Barnes, Chad Brady

    Additional Church Members : Sarah Gallardo, Vicky Thomas, Jesse Aguayo

  • The hiring team is tasked with overseeing the hiring process for a Lead Pastor, including the development of an updated Lead Pastor job description, reviewing submitted applications, interviewing potential candidates, and recommending a candidate for hire.

  • Phase 1 : DEVELOP A LEAD PASTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

    1. Review multiple Lead Pastor job descriptions from other churches
    2. Create a draft of a Harvest Springs specific Lead Pastor job description
    3. Receive feedback from staff and congregation
    4. Finalize the new job description

    Phase 2 :  CONSIDER EXISTING PASTORAL STAFF FOR THE POSITION

    1. Identify those interested in consideration
    2. Interview potential candidates
    3. Confer with the Western Conference
    4. Time of Prayer & Discernment


    Phase 3 :  CONDUCT AN EXTERNAL SEARCH FOR THE POSITION

    1. Assessments of existing staff and structures to outline and clarify the needs of the church
    2. Develop benchmarks and key responsibilities required of the Lead Pastor position
    3. Partner with the Western Conference in a search process
    4. Identify potential candidates and narrow the field for in-person visits


  • While the ultimate decision and selection of a new Lead Pastor will be made by the Executive Team, along with approval by the Western Conference, the voice and heart of the congregation will be sought and considered.   


    A few specific ways to share your input :

    1. Offer feedback on the job description
    2. Any external candidate who will be considered will visit and preach on a weekend.  You will be given a chance to share your input after that visit


    ** If you have any questions or concerns about the process or a candidate, please feel free to reach out to any member of the hiring team at any time.

Latest Update

After having completed a process of looking internally at our existing pastoral staff, and an extended time of prayerful discernment and seeking the Lord, our existing pastors who were considered for the position did not feel a clear sense of calling from God to the position of Lead Pastor at Harvest Springs. 


The hiring team, along with involvement of our staff, and in conjunction with support from the Western Conference will begin an external search process. This process will begin with several assessments to benchmark and clarify the role of Lead Pastor and the needs of Harvest Springs in the future. The Western Conference Board of Church Health will be facilitating the assessment process and assisting in the search, and providing support to our staff and leadership.


As the hiring process moves forward, the Executive Team, has appointed Pastor Michael & Pastor Paul as Interim Co-Lead Pastors to continue moving the church forward and shepherding our congregation in a shared leadership model. We have a great team of four Pastors at Harvest Springs all who are deeply committed to our church family as we move forward.