Over 20 years ago, Jeff began praying that he could one day lead Cherry Hills in a healthy transition, as Pastor Gary had done with him in 1998. Then 5 years ago, Jeff began quietly working with a couple of the elders to contemplate a transition plan. At that time, as Jeff prayed, the LORD showed him that while he was still called to be one of the full-time pastors of Cherry Hills, the LORD was calling him to give the lead pastor role to younger leaders before he reached retirement age, so that our church might reach the widest age range possible. About a year ago, before covid started, Jeff initiated the process of transition, working closely with the elders. And now, after a year of conversations and prayer, they're in complete agreement that this is the right time to transition.

Jeff stated, “About 5 years ago, when I was on a retreat in Wisconsin, the LORD showed me that if I waited until retirement age, Steve & Brian would be in their early 50s. But if I transition earlier, they would still be in their mid-40s, which is the age they are now. Friends, Brian & Steve are at a prime age now to reach all ages, both young and older, and lead our church into its next chapter. Brian and Steve will bring fresh leadership ideas as we seek to reach every generation, including younger. We live in a digital age, and they are able to see new ways of reaching out that haven’t even occurred to me before. You have a much better chance of reaching the younger generation with Steve and Brian as your lead pastors. And I know that many of you want to see your kids and grandkids come to know Jesus and serve Him. Younger leaders draw younger people to our church. You as the Cherry Hills family have always given younger leaders opportunities. For decades now, you have been very forward-thinking and encouraging to younger leaders. And Brian and Steve are ready.”

For the last 5 years, Brian and Steve have been part of the senior leadership team. In other words, for years they've already been leading our church with Jeff.  Steve has co-taught with Jeff for 18 years, and Brian for nearly 14 years. So Jeff and the elders are excited to have experienced leaders who are already recognized and appreciated by our church family.

We are unified in our belief that God has led us to this season. And when a church is united and of one purpose in exalting Jesus, the world gets a chance to witness a church that’s more Kingdom-minded. The LORD has called us to build up one another and reach out to those beyond our walls. We have an assignment to carry out, and it’s best carried out when we are unified in heart and mind and purpose.

For over 25 years Cherry Hills has been practicing collaborative leadership in some shape or form. It started with Pastor Gary and Pastor Jeff and has continued to this day. The last 5 years Steve and Brian have been serving on the Senior Leadership Team with Jeff and Jim and have already been co-leading together as the four of them. We do this because we believe that no one person has all the spiritual gifts necessary to do everything to lead a church effectively. So, as we move forward we are excited to have Co-Lead Pastors who will be using their unique gifting. Brian’s focus will be in his gifting of organizational leadership, staff oversight and vision implementation. Steve’s focus will be in his gifting of teaching and leading through wisdom, discernment and vision. The question is often asked: “Yeah, but who has the final say?” Our answer to that is the Elders, who are elected by the congregation to oversee the pastoral staff, including Steve and Brian.

When Pastor Jeff sensed the call from God to consider a new role with the church, he initiated consultation with the Elders and the other members of the Senior Leadership Team for evaluation of that call, to define what that role should be, and to determine what changes, if any, needed to be made to the leadership structure.  

The Senior Leadership Team was created to strengthen the day-to-day decision-making within the church and to develop strong leadership skills in its members.  Our Constitution and Bylaws ultimately provide that when we are not hiring a new Pastor, but, instead considering re-aligning the roles of our Lead Pastors, the matter is one for the Elders to decide and authorize. In that framework, Jeff, Steve, and Brian as members of the Senior Leadership Team began the vetting process. 

The Elders addressed the matter prayerfully and with a commitment to serious consideration and to follow God’s lead.  The Elders listened to Pastors Jeff, Steve, and Brian’s explanation of what was being proposed, considered what they submitted in writing, and asked questions. Eventually, a church consultant was retained to assist the Elders and Senior Leadership Team and whose expertise and advice proved invaluable.  The decisions were made by the Elders unanimously, humbly, and enthusiastically.  

The Elders and the Senior Leadership Team worked together to make the changes being implemented, including acceptance of Jeff's request to step off the Senior Leadership Team and  the Elders and defining his new role in the ministry of the church.  Changes also included confirmation of Pastors Steve and Brian as Co-Lead Pastors, their continuation as Elders, and a new structure of the Senior Leadership Team.  

We believe that the skills and experience garnered by Brian and Steve in their prior roles and the passion they have for our church make them uniquely suited to carry out both aspects of this transition. The Elders look forward to continuing to pray for Brian and Steve in their new roles, offering them wise counsel, and working with the entire church leadership and our congregation to fulfill our mission. 

Jeff is not leaving or retiring from Cherry Hills. But to give Steve & Brian ample time to get established as our new co-lead pastors, Jeff & Tricia will take a 9-month sabbatical (in which Jeff will do lots of writing and prepare for his new role with us) and then return full-time on January 1, 2022 as the Equipping Pastor.

Although there will be a change in pastoral leadership, both Brian and Steve both love and are committed to the foundation that has been built at Cherry Hills. The mission (Growing disciples who make disciples), the vision (to see people of every generation giving themselves fully to Jesus and His mission), and our values (Jesus Centered, Bible Based, Kingdom Minded, Relating Rightly, Whole Life Stewards) will not change. However, we will continually ask what strategies will help us introduce Jesus to more people, while at the same time helping followers of Jesus grow in their faith.

Over the years, one of the greatest gifts you’ve given to our staff, is that you’ve devoted yourself to pray for us often. So, we’re asking you to pray for this time of transition. 

Please pray for God’s hand upon this time. Pray for guidance, pray for Jeff’s transition and  an anointing upon Brian and Steve and our staff. Pray for vision, continued unity, commitment, and dedication to be a part of God’s calling for our future. Pray for our Elders for this important and exciting season ahead of us. As we pursue life together during this transition, we invite you to join us in prayer. You can access the prayer guide HE RE.

We’d love to hear from you. You can submit questions HERE.

You can watch the Q & A with Jeff, Brian and Steve from January 20 at 7pm HERE.