Navigating the Transition Together

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!
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*
Steve Yonker

Finance Team
Tony Barnes*
Dave Thompson
Al Dierking*
Doug Collins
Steve Cox, Transition Team Chair
Scott Pucket

Personnel Team
Silas Mullis*
Brad Drace
Larry Myers*
Valorie Thompson
Ellen Barnes
Clarissa Murray

Lead Team
Larry Jones, Executive Pastor

* Team members will rotate off at the end of their 2025 term as scheduled and be replaced by team members voted on by the church at the Annual Business Meeting on Sunday, September 21.
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:
  • 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 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
Preaching Schedule
August 3
Student & Family Pastor Steven Scifers

August 10 & 17
Associate Pastor of Discipleship Brandon Ferguson

August 24-September 7
Interim Pastor Steve Dighton

September 14
TBD

September 21-December 21
Interim Pastor Steve Dighton

December 28
TBD
The Search for Our Next Lead Pastor
The Transition Team is not the team that will search for our next Lead Pastor, but they will lead the process of forming the Lead Pastor Search Team.

In the coming weeks, the Transition Team will:
  • Ask for nominations for the Lead Pastor Search Team from the church
  • Use nominations to select a team that well represents the multicultural and multigenerational diversity that makes up the Connection Point family
  • Present the Lead Pastor Search Team to the church for affirmation

More information about the search process will be shared once the search team is formed.
The Search for Our Next Worship Pastor
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.
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.
How can I help?
There are several meaningful ways you can support Connection Point during this season:

  • 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.