Pastoral Succession Plan
On November 2nd, our church announced a potential pastoral transition between Pastor Doug and Pastor Kyle. Below you will find a video explaining this transition in great detail, a written vision for this plan, a visual timeline for each of the important steps, and contact information for you to engage in conversation with the important parties in this process.
For more than twenty five years, Pastor Doug has faithfully served as the Lead Pastor of Living Springs Christian Fellowship, guiding our church family with wisdom, love, and a deep commitment to the vision of Imaging Jesus by Becoming Love. Under his leadership, Living Springs has grown in faith, community, and impact.
Today, as we look to the future, we believe God is calling us to take steps to prepare our church for its next season of ministry. After much prayer, reflection, and discernment, the board is excited to present a succession plan to the church that would see Pastor Kyle transitioning into the role of Lead Pastor, and Pastor Doug continuing to serve Living Springs in the newly focused role of Discipleship Pastor, after a one-year co-lead to properly transition. This succession plan will follow the timeline presented below, culminating in a congregational vote on the matter at a business meeting on January 8th, 2026.
We believe this transition is a natural next step in the ongoing story of Living Springs Christian Fellowship. Pastor Doug and Pastor Kyle share a unified vision for Living Springs and a deep love for this community. Because of this, we are confident this transition can take place without massive shifts in the church’s identity. Beyond that, Kyle’s eleven years at our church will allow fresh leadership to guide our church into its next season from a place of understanding who we are as a community and the journey we have taken to get here. For these reasons and more, our church board and both pastors are in full support of this transition and confident that it reflects God’s direction for our church family.
In his role as Co-Lead Pastor, Pastor Doug will continue to provide oversight, mentorship, and leadership support as Pastor Kyle steps into the Lead Pastor role, guiding our teaching, vision, and spiritual direction. Together, they will continue to lead Living Springs with unity, humility, and a shared commitment to seeing our church live out it’s call to Image Jesus by Becoming Love.
We invite our church family to join us in prayer, encouragement, conversation, and celebration as we walk through this possible season of transition — grateful for all that God has done, and expectant for all He has yet to do.
Sincerely,
The Board, Pastor Kyle and Pastor Doug
Today, as we look to the future, we believe God is calling us to take steps to prepare our church for its next season of ministry. After much prayer, reflection, and discernment, the board is excited to present a succession plan to the church that would see Pastor Kyle transitioning into the role of Lead Pastor, and Pastor Doug continuing to serve Living Springs in the newly focused role of Discipleship Pastor, after a one-year co-lead to properly transition. This succession plan will follow the timeline presented below, culminating in a congregational vote on the matter at a business meeting on January 8th, 2026.
We believe this transition is a natural next step in the ongoing story of Living Springs Christian Fellowship. Pastor Doug and Pastor Kyle share a unified vision for Living Springs and a deep love for this community. Because of this, we are confident this transition can take place without massive shifts in the church’s identity. Beyond that, Kyle’s eleven years at our church will allow fresh leadership to guide our church into its next season from a place of understanding who we are as a community and the journey we have taken to get here. For these reasons and more, our church board and both pastors are in full support of this transition and confident that it reflects God’s direction for our church family.
In his role as Co-Lead Pastor, Pastor Doug will continue to provide oversight, mentorship, and leadership support as Pastor Kyle steps into the Lead Pastor role, guiding our teaching, vision, and spiritual direction. Together, they will continue to lead Living Springs with unity, humility, and a shared commitment to seeing our church live out it’s call to Image Jesus by Becoming Love.
We invite our church family to join us in prayer, encouragement, conversation, and celebration as we walk through this possible season of transition — grateful for all that God has done, and expectant for all He has yet to do.
Sincerely,
The Board, Pastor Kyle and Pastor Doug
Timeline
Questions?
We want to take the time to answer any questions, comments, or concerns as we move through this process. Please click the buttons below.