Succession FAQ

Updated Jan. 20th, 2011

 

Q. How does Live Oak go about finding a new Sr. Pastor?
Our church by-laws state that in the process of filling the position of Senior Pastor, the elders are responsible to select a candidate for presentation to the senior leadership of the staff, and, if approved, then to the participating members of the church, for the approval of the body. The Succession Team was appointed by the elders to perform the initial phases of the search. Four elders are on the Succession team which includes a total of ten very dedicated and highly invested men and women.

 

Q: Why is Chuck stepping down, and what are his and Ann’s plans?
A: A: Chuck and Ann are sensing a call from God to simplify their lives and move into a more mobile kind of ministry. They plan to encourage and reach out to people who are traveling or living along Route 66 and do some teaching on an annual basis in Kenya. The Williams plan on basing out of Lubbock and Live Oak. They foresee being in Lubbock five or six months out of the year.

 

For insight into how the Lord is leading Chuck and Ann click here.

 

Chuck is vitally involved in the Succession Team process. The initiation of this process was his idea.

 

Q: Is a general search for a Senior Pastor being conducted, or are we going to hire from within?

A: After much prayer by the Elders and the Succession Team, the current thrust is to find a man from within our Live Oak DNA base, (current or former staff or volunteer leader/teacher), who can lead us to preserve the core, and stimulate progress. Live Oak has historically started within when hiring and will continue to do so this time.

 

The Succession Team desires for this to be a non-typical, Biblical transition.

 

Q: How can church members participate in this process?

A: First, and foremost we can all pray!

 

We can all be a supportive of the process. Help us get the message out that this is an exciting time to be a part of our church. People don’t want to miss it! You’re a part of something very special at Live Oak!

 

Continue to invite people. We are not a church wandering aimlessly. This is not an interim time. We have always placed a high value on relational evangelism. This is no time to stop!

 

 

Read more about how you can participate here.

Send any questions you might have directly to the Succession Team email.

 

Q: What is the timeline?

A: The Elders and Succession Team are working diligently to identify God’s man. The Succession Team meets at least twice a month and is committed to finishing its assignment in a timely manner. The team wanted to let all Live Oakers know about the process early-on in the process. We hope to know a more definite timeline by the end of January, 2011. Once the prime Sr. Pastor candidate is identified, we will be ready to announce the timeline for his preparation and confirmation.

 

Q: Who is on the Succession Team?

A: Every member of the team was pursued by the Elders for a reason. The goal was to create a group that is an accurate cross-section of Live Oak. There are four of our elders on the team and additional men and women to represent the different demographics and ministries of our church.

 

Q: What changes might we anticipate with a new Sr. Pastor?

A: By bringing in a new lead pastor we can expect some changes and progress. We want someone who can lead us on to the next level in ministry and mission that God has for us. By focusing within our Live Oak DNA base for this new point leader, though, we plan to preserve the core of who we are as a church. For a description of our identity, which will not change, click here

 

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: The source of all information can be found on the Succession Home page. From there you can jump directly to the updates page and this FAQ

 

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