God is at work doing exciting things at Magnolia Church. Over 50 people have been baptized each year the past several years. Last year, we saw 2,100 gospel conversations and we are seeking to have 2,400 gospel conversations by the end of this year. New people come to Magnolia Church every single Sunday and we have seen our attendance steadily growing over the past several weeks and months. When God is at work, it’s our aim to join Him in what He is doing. In this season, we have found God is moving us into a time of transition.
We have begun the process for finding the next Lead Pastor of Magnolia Church. On Sunday, September 22nd, 2024, Pastor Montia announced to the congregation his intent to retire. He will remain fully engaged in the Lead Pastor role throughout the search process to ensure a smooth handoff to the next Lead Pastor. As a result, no retirement date has been set but we are beginning to move through the process of searching for our next Lead Pastor. This page will be updated regularly throughout the transition process to keep our church family informed about what’s going on.
Click here for the full video of Pastor Montia’s announcement in the September 22nd worship services.
Our Process
Nomination and Election of Search Team
The officers of our Trustees, Deacons, and Personnel Committee nominated a Lead Pastor Search Team. The team consists of seven members and one alternate. This team was presented to the church and elected by the church membership in a special called business meeting, which was held on Sunday, October 27th at 5:00 PM in the Magnolia Room.
Lead Pastor Search Team
The Lead Pastor Search Team, consisting of Gaye Hawkins, Ted Hosmer, Terry Lowe, Stacy McIntyre, Jennifer Palmer, David Schiessel, Janette Taylor, and Mike Wyant, has begun their work this Fall of 2024. Their work will involve developing a candidate profile, interviewing and vetting potential candidates, and seeking God’s man to present to the congregation. The Lead Pastor Search Team’s work will take time, potentially a year or more.
Calling of New Lead Pastor
The Lead Pastor Search Team will bring a recommendation to the church to be voted on at a special called business meeting.
Transition to New Lead Pastor
At this time, the plan is to create a brief overlap time period where Pastor Montia will still serve as Lead Pastor, but the incoming Lead Pastor will also be on staff. The new Lead Pastor will be installed at a date to be determined, and Pastor Montia will officially retire at that time from the role of Lead Pastor.
