Pastoral Search Committee Update

Dear Christ Church Family,
 
Thank you for the many nominations to the Pastoral Search Committee. Receiving 41 nominations is a clear sign of your eagerness to find our next Senior Pastor. We are grateful for your engagement and look forward to a fruitful season in the life of our church.
 
Last Monday evening, the Session met to review the nominations and finalize the slate of candidates to be presented at the congregational meeting on January 4. Our discussion was thorough and marked by unity and a deep sense of peace as your Elders. We are “eager to maintain the Spirit of unity in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4.3).
 
Each individual selected is an active member of Christ Church and is committed to the vision, mission, and culture our Session has nurtured within the congregation. Additionally, every nominee has prayerfully considered this responsibility and has willingly agreed to serve in this vital role. Please note, the alternate positions below may become an active member of the PSC only if a current member needs to withdraw from the committee for unexpected reasons.
 
We are pleased to joyfully and unanimously present the following slate for your vote following the worship service on January 4:
 
PSC Members:

• Hugh Morris (Elder)

• Levi Iszler (Deacon)

• Amanda Burton

• Carol Craig

• Kevin Mackesy

• Pat Scott

• Josh Shuck

PSC Alternates:

• Jon Groh (Elder)

• Josh Jacobson (Deacon)

• Holly Bosma 

Please click the link below to learn more about these nominees. If you have any questions about the Pastoral Search Committee, feel free to contact one of our Elders or our Associate Pastor, John Lawler.
 
We invite you to join us in asking God to continue to work in each of our hearts this Advent season that we might be a light to the nations living in darkness. Ask the Lord to guide our church and the PSC as we seek the Senior Pastor that he has prepared for us. And please continue to pray for the Session, Diaconate, and Staff as they lead and care for our congregation during this season of transition.

Congregational Meeting Update

Dear Christ Church Family,

It was a blessing to gather yesterday for our congregational meeting and worship service. Below is a summary of the Session’s report and the actions taken during the meeting.

Interim Pulpit Supply

Rev. Mike Malone has graciously agreed to provide interim pulpit supply during this transition. Mike and his wife, Barb, have been married for 47 years, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren. He has been ordained in the PCA since 1978, and has pastored churches in Florida, Indiana, Virginia, and Tennessee. During his time in Florida, he was the Senior Pastor of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Orlando—where he met and mentored Chuck during his seminary years. Mike now serves as the Executive Director of Transforming Tanzania, a ministry he helped establish in 2003.

Please join us on December 7 at 9:30 a.m. in the Narthex for a meet and greet with Mike and Barb. Donuts and coffee will be provided.

McGowan Global Institute

The Session has engaged McGowan Global Institute (MGI), a highly recommended nonprofit ministry that effectively guides churches through the pastoral search process. In addition to their resources, MGI assigns each church a dedicated consultant. Our consultant is Rev. Dr. Bruce O’Neil, who brings more than 35 years of ministry experience along with his consulting work.

A key component of the process is the Discovery Weekend Assessment (DWA), scheduled for January 9–10 (Friday evening and Saturday). During the DWA, Bruce will meet with 25-35 members to assess the needs of our congregation. The results will shape both the church and pastor profiles that the Pastoral Search Committee (PSC) will use in seeking our new Senior Pastor. Participation in the DWA will be by invitation and will reflect the full breadth of our congregation.

Pastoral Search Committee (PSC)

In Presbyterian polity, the Pastoral Search Committee is tasked by the congregation with evaluating and recommending a candidate for Senior Pastor (BCO 20-2). At the congregational meeting, the Session presented three recommendations which were approved by the congregation and will guide our process moving forward.

Nomination Timeline: Nominations are open from November 23 through December 7.

Submission Process: All nominations will be submitted to the Session, which will present a recommended slate for approval on January 4, 2026.

Committee Size & Composition: The PSC will include seven members: at least one Ruling Elder, one Deacon, and five members representing the intergenerational nature of our church.

Please use the nomination form linked below to nominate individuals for the Pastoral Search Committee.

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our Associate Pastor, John Lawler, one of our elders, or email us at session@christchurchpresjax.org.