TFL PODCAST | Special Episode 1 – The Succession Process

Introduction:

Welcome to a special edition of theFormed.life podcast from Christ Community! In this episode, host Paul Brandes sits down with Tom Nelson, the founding and current lead senior pastor, and Kevin Rockman, current elder chair and chair of the succession task force, for an honest and insightful conversation about the church’s upcoming leadership transition.

With over 37 years of dedicated service, Tom shares how intentional succession planning has always been part of the church’s DNA—from developing a mission-centered leadership culture to launching a pastoral residency program designed to train both internal and external leaders. Kevin takes us behind the scenes of the recent, focused succession process, explaining how the task force was formed, how they considered both internal and external candidates, and why they ultimately felt confident in recommending Gabe as the next lead senior pastor.

You’ll hear about the values and thoughtfulness guiding every step—from bylaws refreshment to financial health and doctrinal integrity—ensuring the church continues forward grounded in its core mission. Join us as we explore the heart, history, and hope steering Christ Community into its next chapter, and get an insider’s look at the team, process, and vision shaping the future of leadership within the church. 

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Intentional, Long-Term Succession Planning
   Succession has been a deliberate part of Christ Community’s leadership culture for many years. Tom Nelson, the founding and current lead senior pastor, emphasized that from the beginning, the church has focused on building leaders and preparing for future transitions. The pastoral residency program was highlighted as a key piece of this strategy—developing a pipeline not only for Christ Community, but for the broader church landscape.
2. Thorough and Prayerful Process
   The succession process was described as thorough, thoughtful, and deeply prayerful. Kevin Rockman, elder chair and head of the succession task force, shared details about assembling a diverse team, consulting internal and external advisors, and considering both internal and external candidates. Key organizational updates, including bylaws and financial health, were made to ensure a stable foundation for the transition. Ultimately, after much discernment and input, the task force and elders unanimously recommended Gabe as the next lead senior pastor.
3. Confidence in Leadership Continuity and the Next Generation
   All speakers expressed deep gratitude and confidence in the continuity of leadership. The selection of Gabe Cole—who embodies the church’s DNA, mission, and vision—was enthusiastically affirmed. There was a strong sense of excitement for the future, both for Gabe’s unique gifts (such as his commitment to spiritual formation and leadership development) and the broader senior team. The episode ends with hopeful anticipation for what God will do through the next generation of leaders.

Timestamps:
00:00 Pastoral Succession Series Launch
05:56 Leadership Transition Reflection
08:59 Elder Team Succession Planning
12:32 Multi-Site Church Leadership Search
15:00 2025 Succession Plan Announcement
17:40 Teamwork Over Individual Roles
21:54 "Leadership Transition in Faith Community"
24:12 "Succession and Leadership Continuity"

Keywords:

lead pastor succession, church leadership transition, Christ Community Church, pastoral residency program, elder board, succession planning, leadership development, organizational integrity, mission statement, church bylaws, financial sustainability, debt free church, EFCA (Evangelical Free Church of America), church doctrine, position papers, gender and church leadership, sexuality and marriage, leadership culture, biblical leadership, team leadership, internal candidates, external candidates, multi-site church, campus pastors, executive leadership team, Gabe Cole, leadership selection process, spiritual formation, staff continuity, future leadership vision

Hashtags:
#LeadershipTransition #ChurchSuccession #SpiritualFormation #ChristCommunityChurch #GospelLeadership #TeamMinistry #BiblicalIntegrity #PastoralResidency #FaithfulStewardship #theFormedLifePodcast
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