The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document answers many of the questions associated with Pastor Kent’s retirement plans. It also covers details of the succession planning activities that will be followed to hire our new Lead Pastor. Please review this document to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
If you still have questions after reading the FAQ, any member of the Consistory will be glad to address other thoughts or concerns.
Elder Question & Answer Sessions
Sundays, Nov 1 and 8 the Elders will be available at the tables in the Gathering Space to answer any questions, 9:30-11:00am.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is never a perfect time for a pastoral transition. However, Cedar Hills is in a season of health, stability, and vitality–both in the congregation and the staff. We are well-positioned for a time of transition:
- Leaders are moving their ministries forward.
- New members continue to join.
- Disciples are growing new disciples.
- Volunteer participation is high.
- Small group ministry is expanding.
- Outreach to our neighbors and community continues to grow.
For Pastor Kent, it feels like the right time for him to move into retirement. The timing of this transition will provide new opportunities for he and Mary to travel and spend time with family.
FAQs
What has happened so far?
Over the past year, Cedar Hills’ leadership has thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared for the transition to a new Lead Pastor. Cedar Hills’ staff and Consistory have engaged with Chemistry Staffing or coaching on Succession Planning. Working together, Chemistry Staffing and our leadership team have evaluated and outlined the requirements and ideal strengths for the Lead Pastor role at Cedar Hills.
Why did the leadership team decide to work with a consulting firm to conduct the search?
Over the past year, Cedar Hills’ leadership has thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared for the transition to a new Lead Pastor. Cedar Hills’ staff and Consistory have engaged with Chemistry Staffing for coaching on Succession Planning. Working together, Chemistry Staffing and our leadership team have evaluated and outlined the requirements and ideal strengths for the Lead Pastor role at Cedar Hills.
Who is Chemistry Staffing?
Chemistry Staffing helps healthy churches and pastors find each other. Chemistry assists churches in becoming healthier through consulting and planning and helps pastors become healthier through training and coaching. Chemistry has been a great partner in helping us prepare a plan. We believe that they will also be a great help with the search and evaluation process.
What is the process for choosing a Lead Pastor?
Many months ago, we started with prayer and an admission of complete dependence on God to lead in the selection of our new pastor. This is critically important and will continue to be a key part of everyone’s responsibility. We humbly ask everyone to pray for all those impacted by this change, including Pastor Kent and Mary, our Cedar Hills family, staff and Consistory, Chemistry Staffing and search team, and the person God will call to be our new Lead Pastor. Specifically, the hiring process that we envision is as follows:
- We will be working in partnership with Chemistry Staffing and the Upper Mississippi Valley (UMV) Network throughout the search process, including the development of the Lead Pastor job profile.
- Chemistry Staffing will release this profile in late January 2027.
- Chemistry Staffing will recruit candidates and conduct the initial screening and interview process, evaluating candidates in areas such as theology, ministry experience, leadership, personality, skills, education, and overall fit with Cedar Hills. Theological and denominational alignment will also be evaluated by Upper Mississippi Valley Network representatives.
- Candidates who make it through Chemistry’s screening will be presented to our Cedar Hills Pastoral Search Team (see below), who will conduct additional phone/Zoom interviews.
- If our Pastoral Search Team discerns that one or more candidates should move forward, they will notify both Chemistry and the Cedar Hills consistory.
- The consistory and staff will be invited to interview the candidate(s).
- Any finalist, along with their family, will be invited to visit Cedar Hills to preach and to answer any questions from the congregation.
- The Pastoral Search Team will recommend the successful candidate to the Consistory for approval and to the congregation for affirmation.
- If affirmed, we will extend an offer to that person for the Lead Pastor position.
Who is serving on the Pastoral Search Team?
We have enlisted a diverse team of nine Cedar Hills members to evaluate the candidates whom Chemistry Staffing believes would be a good fit to be our new Lead Pastor. We are excited that they have agreed to serve. These members are:
- Scott Drzycimski (co-leader)
- Nancy Josifek (co-leader)
- Beth Brown
- Randy Fox
- Dan Hakken
- Andrew Moen
- EJ O’Donnell-Lines
- Sonya Schneekloth
- Lindsey Steinkamp
Pastor Kent will not be an active member of this Pastoral Search Team. Instead, he will be an advisor to the search team as needed and will make himself available to anyone whom the team identifies as a potential candidate.
Are there any other staffing changes as part of this process?
Based on conversations with the staff, we do not anticipate any changes at this time. That said, as with any organizational leadership changes, it is no uncommon to see staff members make a transition during or immediately following this process.
When does Pastor Kent plan to transition out of the Lead Pastor role?
We anticipate that Pastor Kent will continue as our Lead Pastor until the Fall of 2027. Of course, this will ultimately depend on how the process goes. We will do our best to communicate updates as we gain clarity.
What happens if we haven’t hired a Lead Pastor before Pastor Kent leaves this role?
While Pastor Kent is excited about the new opportunities that will arise with his retirement, he remains flexible and at peace with the exact timing of the transition. If the situation does arise and Pastor Kent needs to leave before we have hired a new Lead Pastor, we will initially address this in conversation with Pastor Steve and Pastor Leah, followed by conversations with the Upper Mississippi Valley Network of the Alliance, as necessary.
How long will this whole process take?
We are preparing for a 12-18 month process overall, praying that it will be shorter, and completely trusting that God will lead the right person to step into the Lead Pastor role at the right time.
What will pastor Kent do next?
Pastor Kent’s initial priority will be to take at least a six-month sabbatical from Cedar Hills to explore external areas of ministry (e.g. writing, pulpit fill, counseling, etc.) while also relaxing and becoming accustomed to a new routine. Pastor Kent’s intentions are to return to Cedar Hills as a member, once his sabbatical is done.
Will internal candidates be considered for the Lead Pastor role?
Absolutely. However, we have already talked with key potential internal candidates and none have been called at this time. However, if things change in the process, internal candidates will be encouraged to apply and will undergo the same assessment, interviews, and discernment process as an external candidate.
What else can I do for the church and for Pastor Kent during this transition?
- Pray for Chemistry Staffing and the Pastoral Search Team, Pastor Kent and Mary, the staff, the church, the community, and the person whom God is preparing to lead us.
- Please continue to be the church where hope is found, unified, and passionate about disciples making disciples.
- Please continue to support Cedar Hills’ ministry with your attendance, volunteer service and financial gifts.
How will updates be communicated to the church?
- Website: We will update this page regularly with new FAQs or details as we walk through this process.
- Sunday Bulletin: A link to this information will be provided via email as part of the weekly Sunday bulletin. We will also provide hard copies upon request.
- Informational Meetings: We are planning for two face-to-face informational meetings to address remaining questions. As we approach the final stages of this process, we will communicate in-person during Sunday worship regarding any updates.
How can I submit a question to the Pastoral Search Team?
Please use the form below to submit any written questions to the office. We will do our best to have the appropriate person respond promptly, as well as update the FAQs as necessary. However, please re-review the FAQs before submitting your questions, as we will update this page with any new frequently asked questions (FAQs) that we receive.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and mak disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Baumgartner’s Backbone Lodge
Friday, February 26–Sunday, February 28, 2027
Weekend Cost: $200
