Pastoral Transition
FCCHB remains wholeheartedly committed to our mission of “Living the grace and purpose of Jesus together.”
As the Board continues to work through the transition process, FCCHB has not yet posted a pastoral position and is not currently accepting resumes. Once the new structure and the position is officially announced, application details will be made available.
PASTORAL TRANSITION UPDATES
UPDATE: Wednesday, August 20th
We are pleased to share this next update as we continue shaping a shared leadership model that reflects both clarity and collaboration.
In the spirit of strengthening our church rhythms and deepening our shared mission, we will be moving toward a structure with two direct reports to the board. While the role titles and profiles are still being prayerfully developed, they will center on two key areas: teaching and ministry, as well as operations. This adjustment is designed to foster shared accountability, effective communication, and ensure that strategic decisions are informed by diverse perspectives rooted in both spiritual and practical wisdom.
We believe this change will position FCCHB leadership with greater intentionality, support our teams more effectively, and steward our calling with renewed focus. Thank you for your continued partnership as we take this meaningful step forward together.
Upcoming Milestone Dates:
August 31st - develop position titles and profiles
We appreciate all of you who have sent comments and questions to us via email. We value your feedback and engagement with us.
UPDATE: Tuesday, August 5th
After thoughtful prayer, discussion, and discernment, we have determined the future leadership structure of our church. Rather than continuing with a single executive pastor model, we have decided to move toward a shared leadership model that will include more than one direct report to the Board of Overseers. We are continuing to work through the details of how this shared leadership model will be structured, and it is being designed to ensure that both spiritual leadership and organizational health are supported at the highest level.
The next step in this process will be for the Board to prayerfully and thoroughly work through the specific details related to the roles that will be included within the structure of shared leadership. We remain committed to approaching this with care, transparency, and alignment with God’s direction for our church.
Upcoming Milestone Dates:
August 17th – finalize the number of direct reports to the Board of Overseers
August 31st - develop position profiles
We want to also acknowledge that the pace has been slow and measured as we are seeking to be intentional and thoughtful in which direction to move forward. We are grateful for your patience during this process.
We encourage you to send any comments or questions to us via email at board@fcchb.com.
UPDATE: Friday, August 1st
Thank you for your continued prayers, patience, and trust as we walk through this season of transition together.
Movement has been occurring in our discussions on a leadership model, and we’re committed to keeping you informed as decisions are made in this process. We invite you to share any comments or questions with us directly by clicking the button above.
You can expect our next update, no later than Wednesday, August 6th.
UPDATE: Tuesday, June 10th
As the Board finalizes a leadership structure, we would like to share the policy manual that guides the Board of Overseers in understanding their purpose and fulfilling their responsibilities. Click the button to view the board’s policy manual.
UPDATE: Saturday, May 31st
We want to share an important update as we continue seeking God’s guidance for the future of our church. The Board has invited Slingshot Group to help finalize a leadership structure that reflects our church’s unique story, honoring our past, embracing our current reach and culture, and preparing for what’s ahead. This will occur on June 16th and 17th.
In addition, the Board has begun interviewing candidates for the upcoming board term, which begins September 1st. Final selections will be made at the June 22nd board meeting. As we move forward, please note that some of the previously shared milestone dates (from the April 14 update) will be adjusted after June 17th. Here’s what’s next:
Develop leadership position profiles
Finalize the search committee
Begin the candidate search
Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we walk this journey together. We are hopeful and excited for all God has in store for First Christian Church.
UPDATE: Friday, April 24
On Thursday, April 24th, the church sent out an email regarding the celebration service of Pastor Scott Martin. Here are the details regarding the service for Sunday May 4th:
"We'll be holding one combined service at 10:00am (please note: there will be no 9:00am or 10:45am services that day). We anticipate our parking lot to fill quickly, but there is parking along Main St., Adams Ave, or 17th St., as well as Smith Elementary and Huntington Beach High School.
Here's what to expect for service:
Service at 10:00am (doors open at 9:30am)
Overflow venues (The Shed, The Commons, and The Chapel) will be open-please arrive early and sit close to together eliminate open spaces
Celebration in The Connection Center after the service with food, games, connection, and time to thank the Martin family in the center of campus
We'd love for you to join us as we come together to celebrate and honor Pastor Scott Martin and his family.
UPDATE: Monday, April 14
On Sunday, April 13th, the Board of Overseers conducted open congregation meetings after both Sunday Services. The board shared the following details with those who attended:
The Board reviewed the current progress and outlined the next steps in the transition process. For reference, see slide 8 in the PowerPoint.
We are currently in step three, which focuses on determining the future organizational structure. At this stage, the Board is evaluating two potential models: a single lead pastor structure or a shared structure, which involves multiple individuals sharing decision-making and leadership responsibilities.
Upcoming Milestone Dates:
May 31st – finalize the organization structure
June 20th – develop a position profile(s)
June 30th – finalize search committee
July 1st – begin candidate search
UPDATE: Monday, April 7
On Sunday, April 13th, the Board of Overseers will hold brief meetings after both the 1st and 2nd services in The Commons. Each meeting, approximately 15 minutes long, will provide the latest updates on the pastoral transition. All are welcome to attend.
UPDATE: Monday, March 17
The board conducted open congregation meetings after the 1st and 2nd Sunday Services on March 16th. The board shared the following details with those who attended:
An Interim Pastoral Team consisting of Bonnie Worthen, Jericho Rhoten, John Paul, Stephen Pate, and Jordan Tenacé will run the day-to-day operations and ministries of FCC.
An Advisory Team made up of the following board members: Bruce Bartels, Jerrod Bonner, Dylana Cavaness, and Kristin Galardo, will meet regularly with the Interim Pastoral Team.
During this transition period, the teaching schedule will have Stephen speak three times a month and Jericho once a month. Stephen and Jericho will also bring in guest speakers as needed.
UPDATE: Tuesday, March 4
On Sunday, March 16th, after both services, the Board of Overseers will host meetings after the 1st and 2nd services in The Commons. These meetings are open to anyone interested in attending.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Sunday, March 2
On Sunday, March 2nd, Scott shared with the church his decision to resign as Lead Pastor of FCCHB. If you missed the announcement, click here to watch his statements.
We have immense love and gratitude for Pastor Scott and his family, who will always hold a special place in the FCC family. Pastor Scott's leadership has been a true blessing, guiding our church community to live more fully in the grace and purpose of Jesus and helping us draw near to God in every season. This transition, while bittersweet, is embraced with faith and optimism, trusting that it will serve to further God’s kingdom and bring new opportunities for growth and impact—for both the church and the Martin family.