Pastor Pete’s Transition

Click - Read Pastor Pete’s Letter

Pastor Pete’s update on his transition

Pastor Pete’s Update on His Succession from New Life Fellowship Plus on Vimeo.

Click – Read Pastor Rich’s Letter

FAQ – About The Transition

1. Why is Pete transitioning?

Pete is transitioning out of his role as Senior Pastor for a number of reasons. First, it is the best thing for New Life Fellowship. The intentional training and development of a new generation of leadership opens up a great future for NLF for the next 26 years. (Pete will complete 26 years as Senior Pastor of NLF in September 2013). Secondly, God has given Pete and Geri gifts (such as writing, leadership and spiritual formation, research, and development) that need to be made available to the wider church. Thirdly, this transition enables NLF to expand and grow in exciting ways by providing room for Rich and the staff to lead us in new, creative directions, while at the same time enjoying the contributions of Pete and Geri.

2). What will Pete’s role be?

Pete will remain a part of New Life’s staff. His title will be “Teaching Pastor/Pastor-at-Large.” Pete will continue to serve New Life by teaching seminars, preaching, leading retreats, helping implement the five M’s of our mission, and mentoring leaders. Pete will also bring the gifts of New Life to North America and the global church through writing and training pastors/leaders.

3. How often is Pete going to preach?

Pete will preach approximately 8–12 times a year.

4. What will Geri’s role be?

Geri will be a “Teacher and Leadership Trainer.” She will continue to bring her gifts of spiritual formation development and training to New Life. Geri will also lead a marriage retreat annually. She, too, will bring the riches of New Life to the world through the training of leaders in the wider church.

5. How long has this process taken?

This process began in early 2009. Pete and the Elders (Jake Garcia, Bonnie Wheaton, Andrew Favilla, Kelly Ng, Carroll Oliver, and Greg Gardner), along with Jackie Snape, decided that a four and one-half year process was sufficient for a healthy, seamless transition. We are fifteen months away from the completion of that process.

6. When does this transition officially happen?

The transition will officially take place in September 2013.

7. Who was part of the decision-making process regarding Pete’s successor?

The elders commissioned a “Transitional Task Force” to begin the search for a new senior leader. (This task force consisted of Jackie Snape, Greg Jao, Jake Garcia, and Kelly Ng.). When Rich was identified as the primary candidate for the role of next senior leader, the Elders set up a one year time of “testing,” to determine if Rich was the best fit.

8. How/why was Rich identified as the next senior leader?

We (the Transitional Task Force and Elders) believe God’s hand is clearly upon Rich for NLF’s next season. Rich’s gifting, history, and temperament made him a perfect fit for the role of next senior leader. Rich brings a passion for leadership, spiritual formation, and preaching that we felt is well-suited for New Life’s next senior leader.

9. Will New Life change?

No, and yes. New Life will continue to embrace and expand the mission and values that have served as her foundation over the years. We will continue to deepen our “5 M’s” (Monastic, Multi-racial, eMotional Health, Marriage to Christ, and Missional). In this regard, New Life will not change. However, every leader leaves a unique imprint. It is our expectation (and hope) that Rich will bring new methods and ideas to the values and mission of New Life.