As of Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that we’ve entered the exciting Selection Phase of our Lead Pastor Search Process! God is at work, and we’re one step closer to welcoming the leader He has prepared for our church family.
Our Search Team, made up of passionate council and church members, has been hard at work conducting a nationwide search. With intentional care, they have narrowed the field to a select group of strong candidates. Alongside Pastor Johnson, the team has engaged in interviews, theological reflections, and extensive reference checks. Through prayer and discernment, we are closer than ever to finding the person God is calling to lead us forward!
We’re making great progress, and soon Pastor Johnson will introduce a Lead Pastor candidate to the congregation! We’ll provide opportunities for you to hear the Lead Pastor Candidate preach and get to know the Lead Pastor Candidate before we come together for a congregational vote.
As we move forward, we ask that you continue to pray with us during this exciting phase. This process has been intentional, grounded in faith, and filled with God’s guidance. Together, we are making a decision that will shape the future of our church family.
Celebrate with us! We’ve put together an Update Video to share the latest details. This video was played during our worship services on Sunday, Oct. 27, and we’ve made it available online for everyone to view. Watch it below and stay connected for more updates via email, app notifications, and social media.
God’s Got Next – and we can’t wait to take this next step together!
Senior Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr.
Special Announcement
We celebrate all that Senior Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr., Lady Sharon Johnson, and their family have given to lead, pastor, and expand Eastern Star Church for over 35 years. To God be the glory!
As a church, we are moving into a new season. Pastor Johnson is certain God is calling him into a new phase of life which includes a shift from his role as our Senior Pastor. He has initiated this process, and we are supportive of him and trusting God. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, we: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
This is an intentional, comprehensive process.
Pastor Johnson, our Church Council, and Executive Team have been praying and planning together. As a result, an intentional plan and search process are underway.
Our leaders are thinking holistically to care for Pastor Johnson and Lady Sharon. We are working together to further the ministry of Eastern Star Church. Supporting us in this season are external, strategic ministry partners who have been through senior pastor transitions with other large, multi-site churches.
Several teams at Eastern Star Church are working to offer great support. These teams include:
Administrative Team - to oversee staff needs, finances, facilities, bylaws, etc.
Celebration Team - to plan our appreciation, recognition, ceremonies, and events for Pastor Johnson, Lady Sharon, and their family.
Communications Team - to ensure there is clear, intentional communication throughout this process.
Community Team - to manage our external connections throughout this season.
Search Team - to prayerfully conduct a structured, effective search process for Eastern Star Church’s next Lead Pastor.
Theological Team - to ensure our church as a whole has a consistent focus on spiritual disciplines and spiritual growth.