As our church family walks through this time of transition, we want you to know: you’re not alone, and neither is our church. While we are currently without a Lead Pastor, our mission remains the same, and our direction is steady.
We are blessed with a strong team of staff and lay leaders who are prayerfully and confidently guiding our church forward. Under the leadership of our Executive Pastor and Transition Team, we continue to pursue the vision God has given us: to help people connect with Jesus and one another.
This page is designed to help answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process. More than that, we hope it reminds you of the faithfulness of God, who leads His church through every season—with wisdom, provision, and peace.
Thank you for being part of the Connection Point family!
We are blessed with a strong team of staff and lay leaders who are prayerfully and confidently guiding our church forward. Under the leadership of our Executive Pastor and Transition Team, we continue to pursue the vision God has given us: to help people connect with Jesus and one another.
This page is designed to help answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process. More than that, we hope it reminds you of the faithfulness of God, who leads His church through every season—with wisdom, provision, and peace.
Thank you for being part of the Connection Point family!
Your Voice Matters
As we continue the search for our next Lead Pastor, the Pastor Search Team would love to hear from you. Your voice matters, and your input will help shape this important season in the life of our church. We invite you to share both what you hope to see in our next Lead Pastor and your experience here at Connection Point by completing the survey at the link below. Thank you for taking the time to participate and for walking faithfully with our church family.
Prayer Guide
As we walk through this season of transition, we want to be a church that leans fully on the Lord. We can do nothing apart from His wisdom, His strength, and His leading. To help us stay grounded in prayer, we’re asking our whole church family to pray every day of the week. As we seek, rely on, and wait upon Him, we trust that God will guide our hearts and our steps.
Meet the Transition Team
In accordance with our church constitution and bylaws, we officially formed the Transition Team to prayerfully support our ministries as we seek God’s direction for the future. This team includes our Deacon Chairman and Chair Elect, six members each from the Finance and Personnel Teams, and our Lead Staff Team.
Deacons
Jeff Brundage*
John Davis**
Steve Yonker
Finance Team
Tony Barnes*
Doug Collins
Steve Cox, Transition Team Chair
Al Dierking*
Steve Haines**
David Jackson**
Scott Pucket
Dave Thompson
Personnel Team
Ellen Barnes
Mike Clay**
Brad Drace
Silas Mullis*
Clarissa Murray
Larry Myers*
Jerry Nyquist**
Valorie Thompson
Lead Team
Larry Jones, Executive Pastor
* Team members will rotate off at the end of their 2025 term as scheduled.
** Incoming team members will rotate on at the beginning of their 2026 term as voted on by the church at the Annual Business Meeting.
Deacons
Jeff Brundage*
John Davis**
Steve Yonker
Finance Team
Tony Barnes*
Doug Collins
Steve Cox, Transition Team Chair
Al Dierking*
Steve Haines**
David Jackson**
Scott Pucket
Dave Thompson
Personnel Team
Ellen Barnes
Mike Clay**
Brad Drace
Silas Mullis*
Clarissa Murray
Larry Myers*
Jerry Nyquist**
Valorie Thompson
Lead Team
Larry Jones, Executive Pastor
* Team members will rotate off at the end of their 2025 term as scheduled.
** Incoming team members will rotate on at the beginning of their 2026 term as voted on by the church at the Annual Business Meeting.
Transition Timeline
July 13, 2025
Pastor Brian announced that he accepted a new Lead Pastor role at Dallas Bible Church.
July 16, 2025
The Transition Team's first meeting. Key decisions made:
July 27, 2025
Pastor Brian's final Sunday at Connection Point Church
August 2025
The Transition Team is receiving nominations for the Lead Pastor Search Team.
August 5, 2025
Laura Davis returns part-time as Interim Director of Operations to allow Pastor Larry to focus more fully on leading our ministry staff teams.
August 24, 2025
Steve Dighton begins his role as Interim Pastor
August 31, 2025
The Lead Pastor Search Team nomination period closed, and the Transition Team began processing nominees.
September 24, 2025
The Transition Team sent a questionnaire to a group of Pastor Search Team candidates to learn more about them and to determine their interest and ability to serve.
October 15, 2025
The Transition Team met to select a Lead Pastor Search Team and initiated communication with all nominees.
October 26, 2025
The Transition Team announced a Special Called Business Meeting on Sunday, November 2, to affirm the selected Lead Pastor Search Team.
November 2, 2025
The church approved Lead Pastor Search Team as recommended by the Lead Team, the Pastor's Advisory Team (Transition Team), and the Deacons in a Special Called Business Meeting.
Pastor Brian announced that he accepted a new Lead Pastor role at Dallas Bible Church.
July 16, 2025
The Transition Team's first meeting. Key decisions made:
- Elect Steve Cox as Transition Team Chair
- Confirm Steve Dighton as our Interim Pastor
- Ask Laura Davis to return part-time as Interim Director of Operations
July 27, 2025
Pastor Brian's final Sunday at Connection Point Church
August 2025
The Transition Team is receiving nominations for the Lead Pastor Search Team.
August 5, 2025
Laura Davis returns part-time as Interim Director of Operations to allow Pastor Larry to focus more fully on leading our ministry staff teams.
August 24, 2025
Steve Dighton begins his role as Interim Pastor
August 31, 2025
The Lead Pastor Search Team nomination period closed, and the Transition Team began processing nominees.
September 24, 2025
The Transition Team sent a questionnaire to a group of Pastor Search Team candidates to learn more about them and to determine their interest and ability to serve.
October 15, 2025
The Transition Team met to select a Lead Pastor Search Team and initiated communication with all nominees.
October 26, 2025
The Transition Team announced a Special Called Business Meeting on Sunday, November 2, to affirm the selected Lead Pastor Search Team.
November 2, 2025
The church approved Lead Pastor Search Team as recommended by the Lead Team, the Pastor's Advisory Team (Transition Team), and the Deacons in a Special Called Business Meeting.
Preaching Schedule
August 3
Student & Family Pastor Steven Scifers
August 10
Associate Discipleship Pastor Brandon Ferguson
August 17
Student & Family Pastor Steven Scifers
August 24-September 7
Interim Pastor Steve Dighton
September 14
Student & Family Pastor Steven Scifers
September 21-November 2
Interim Pastor Steve Dighton
November 9
Associate Discipleship Pastor Brandon Ferguson
November 16-December 28
Interim Pastor Steve Dighton
Student & Family Pastor Steven Scifers
August 10
Associate Discipleship Pastor Brandon Ferguson
August 17
Student & Family Pastor Steven Scifers
August 24-September 7
Interim Pastor Steve Dighton
September 14
Student & Family Pastor Steven Scifers
September 21-November 2
Interim Pastor Steve Dighton
November 9
Associate Discipleship Pastor Brandon Ferguson
November 16-December 28
Interim Pastor Steve Dighton
Lead Pastor Search
Visit our Lead Pastor Search page for details about the search process and team.
Worship Pastor Search
The Worship Pastor Search Team has decided to pause their search for a full-time Worship Pastor during the Lead Pastor transition season. We will continue to engage in meaningful and quality worship led by Brandon Taylor, Rick Moore, and Larry Jones. The team will update the church if anything changes.
Have Questions?
We have already received many questions about the season of transition. We will try to answer the most frequently asked questions here, adding more as we receive them. If you have a question that hasn't been answered, please email us at transition@connectionpoint.tv.
Why did Pastor Brian leave?
After much prayer and seeking the Lord’s guidance, Pastor Brian has sensed a clear calling from God to transition and serve another church in need of pastoral leadership. This decision does not come from any conflict or dissatisfaction—Pastor Brian and his family deeply love the Connection Point community and have cherished their time here. However, they believe God orchestrated this move for His kingdom purposes and are stepping out in faith to follow His leading.
Why do pastors and staff leave?
The average tenure of a church staff member in the United States is 2-4 years. Throughout the years, we have been above average. While we have said goodbye to some church staff in less than a year or two, it has been the trend for the majority of our staff to serve for 5, 10, 20, and even 30+ years because our staff culture is a healthy one. Yes, we have had to say goodbye to staff and pastors we love, but we can proudly say that, just like Pastor Brian, those team members were following God's leading for their next step in ministry. As a church, we are overjoyed at the faith and obedience exhibited by these men and women.
Who is leading our church?
During this season of transition, Connection Point is being led by a strong team of pastors, staff, and lay leaders. Executive Pastor Larry Jones, the remaining member of the Lead Team, is helping shepherd the church alongside this dedicated group. In alignment with the church’s constitution and bylaws, a Transition Team was officially formed on July 9. This team includes the Deacon Chairman and Chair Elect, members from the Finance and Personnel Teams, and the Lead Team.
To reach a member of our staff team, visit the staff page. To reach the Transition Team, email transition@connectionpoint.tv.
To reach a member of our staff team, visit the staff page. To reach the Transition Team, email transition@connectionpoint.tv.
Who will be preaching?
We’re excited to welcome Pastor Steve Dighton back as Interim Pastor beginning Sunday, August 24. Each week, he will bring strong, relatable messages rooted in God’s Word. On the rare occasions he is unavailable, we’ll have the privilege of hearing from Pastor Brandon or Pastor Steven. You can view the full preaching schedule above.
Who will choose the next Lead Pastor?
The Lead Pastor Search Team will be responsible for the search for our next Lead Pastor. The Transition Team will use nominations submitted by the church to select a group of church members to represent the Connection Point family in this search. Once formed, the Lead Pastor Search Team will be presented to the church for affirmation. More details about the search process will be shared once the team is in place.
When will we have a new Lead Pastor?
While we can’t predict exactly how long the search for our next Lead Pastor will take, we trust in God’s perfect timing—He already knows who our next Lead Pastor will be. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to stay connected, remain engaged in the life of the church, and continue praying for our teams and the leader God is preparing to lead Connection Point forward.
What does the future of Connection Point look like?
The future of Connection Point is strong and full of hope. This is a time of transition—but not a time of crisis. We remain grounded in Christ, united in purpose, and committed to our mission. Ministry continues, worship continues, and our calling remains clear.
Our purpose is unchanged: to maximize the glory of God by making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our mission is steady: to connect people with Jesus and one another.
Our strategy is active: Worship. Grow. Serve. Give. Go.
And our vision is alive: to be a church every generation wants to attend.
The only thing changing is who is preaching on Sundays. Everything else—our focus, our ministries, and our commitment to God's Word—continues with strength and consistency.
We believe the best days of Connection Point are still ahead. But that future includes you. Stay faithful. Keep showing up. Keep praying, giving, serving, and inviting. God is at work—and we get to be part of it together.
Our purpose is unchanged: to maximize the glory of God by making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our mission is steady: to connect people with Jesus and one another.
Our strategy is active: Worship. Grow. Serve. Give. Go.
And our vision is alive: to be a church every generation wants to attend.
The only thing changing is who is preaching on Sundays. Everything else—our focus, our ministries, and our commitment to God's Word—continues with strength and consistency.
We believe the best days of Connection Point are still ahead. But that future includes you. Stay faithful. Keep showing up. Keep praying, giving, serving, and inviting. God is at work—and we get to be part of it together.
How can I help?
There are several meaningful ways you can support Connection Point during this season:
Your presence, prayers, and participation make a difference. Let’s move forward together with faith and unity.
- Pray — Ask God to give wisdom to our leaders, unity to our church, and clarity in identifying our next Lead Pastor.
- Stay united — Avoid gossip, extend grace, and commit to being a source of encouragement and peace.
- Engage fully — Continue attending, serving, and giving faithfully. Your consistent involvement helps our church remain strong and focused.
Your presence, prayers, and participation make a difference. Let’s move forward together with faith and unity.