The elders invite you to the upcoming Congregational Meeting on November 2 at 11:45am where we will vote on the Lead Pastor Succession Plan. Please take a moment to review the following proposal in preparation for the vote. We are excited for God’s leading for His church.

Childcare will be provided for children through 6th grade in the Dining Room. Please register your children by Wednesday, October 29. *There is no need to register unless you need childcare!

Synopsis of the proposal for

Lead Pastor Succession

Presented by The Elder Team of FCCO

Purpose: 

To begin a succession plan that ensures the long-term pastoral leadership of our church and shepherding of the flock.

What are you voting for?

Your vote will make Marc a lead pastor alongside Dan. They will serve as co-lead pastors for a time until Dan moves towards retirement or takes a different role on staff, after which Marc will continue as our sole lead pastor.

Why are we voting?

Moving Pastor Marc to a Lead Pastor position requires a vote of covenant members pursuant to the Bylaws. 

Why now? 

Our church is healthy and has strong pastoral leadership. Our elder team recognizes there is a season of transition ahead with four staff members in their sixties, including Dan. Last year at our annual meeting, the elders shared about the need for proactive succession planning. 

The current proposal, shared in three successive meetings (July, September, and October) is the first step in this process. The Elder Team has prayerfully concluded and unanimously believes we have our next lead pastor on staff now in Pastor Marc. Calling Marc as our next lead pastor now will provide long-term care and continuity for our church family through these years of transition and lead our church into the future with strong pastoral leadership. 

Does this mean Pastor Dan is stepping away now?

No, this means Dan and Marc will serve as co-lead pastors for a time, after which Dan will likely take a different role on staff. This would naturally occur as part of a staff reorganization necessitated by Pastor Sue’s retirement in 2027. At that time, Marc will continue as our sole lead pastor.

The finer details of this succession plan are being worked out and will be shared when available. However, it is the intent of the elders to create a smooth pastoral succession and to avoid the disruption to the church that so often happens with the loss of a lead pastor and uncertain replacements.

How will our co-lead pastors function?

The same way they are now. Pastor Marc and Dan have been serving together for over 15 years, the last decade of which they have functionally served together as co-pastors. During this time, Marc has proven his calling, willingness, and ability to serve as a Lead Pastor. 

In the near term, you will not see much change in roles and responsibilities, other than Dan and Marc sharing the preaching load equally. Dan, Marc, and the elders are working on the redefinition of roles in the near term and long term as we move through this season of transition. We will keep you updated on the specifics as they happen.

While this arrangement is unique, Dan and Marc have an especially close relationship. They have love and respect for one another, complementary gifting, and a deep love for our church. 

What if I have a question?

We would be happy to answer any question or concern that you have about this proposal. Please email our elder team at: elders@firstossipee.net. One of our elders will promptly respond to you. In addition, there will be time to ask questions at the meeting on November 2.

How do I vote?

We will have a congregational meeting at 11:45 on Sunday, November 2, at which time we will answer any remaining questions, establish a quorum, and then take a vote. While we would love for everyone to attend the meeting, voting is reserved for covenant members. If you are unable to attend, you can vote prior to Sunday’s meeting through an email link that will be sent to all covenant members on Wednesday, October 29.

Please pray

This is a significant step that the elders are proposing, set forth with excitement, which will position FCCO to continue expanding God’s kingdom for years to come.