Mark has faithfully served at CPC since 1986. At this time, he senses that God is calling him to transition and exit from CPC to focus in an area he is passionate about, which is leadership and the local church. Mark would like to spend time developing and mentoring young adult leaders and equipping them for a lifetime of effective pastoral leadership–this will primarily be done through the Bay Area School of Ministry (BASOM). Mark also believes that now is the time for CPC to find a younger leader to be the lead pastor. Finally, Mark and Lynn have their sixth grandchild on the way, and they would love to enjoy extended periods of time with their children and grandchildren.

The elders have been intimately involved with the process, timing, and decision for Mark to transition from CPC. Mark and the elders have discussed the process of his transition for the last four years.

There is no other backstory going on with Mark’s decision to transition from CPC. Mark has no disagreements with the elders or staff.

When Mark leaves, he will no longer be an elder or on the CPC staff.

We are blessed to have wonderful preachers at CPC, and Mark will always be welcome to be a guest preacher at CPC in the future!

After leaving CPC, Mark hopes to continue developing leaders for the local church. The current CPC Pastoral Residency has proven to be an excellent model for equipping and developing the next generation of men and women to be leaders for a lifetime of significant pastoral leadership.  The Pastoral Residency has been folded into a new non-profit (BASOM) that Mark will lead part-time after leaving CPC. Mark and Lynn also will build on their relationships with their three children and six grandchildren.

We don’t know the exact day, but Mark plans to transition in the Fall of 2021.

The first immediate step in looking for CPC’s next Lead Pastor is prayer. We believe that God is impressing a call on the life of the next CPC Lead Pastor. We have also entered into an agreement with Slingshot Group, a non-profit staffing company, who is coaching us and helping the elders identify the next lead pastor.

We considered several qualified alternative firms to assist CPC in this effort. Slingshot Group is a proven search firm that will utilize relationships and contacts around the country in the search for the next Lead Pastor. They are well aligned with our specific situation relative to their support team, network, and process.

CPC views the Lead Pastor’s role as someone who works in conjunction with the elders in establishing the church’s vision. The Lead Pastor will be responsible for the ministry of God’s Word, providing leadership in championing, articulating, and advocating for CPC’s core values and vision, and leading the CPC Staff. The Lead Pastor will partner with our team of elders as the primary shepherds of the flock.

First, the next Lead Pastor must demonstrate a vibrant and compelling relationship with Christ, a heart for seeing lost people come into a relationship with Jesus, and exhibiting joy, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for God’s grace.

Second, personal character, as seen in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3, is important.

Third, the lead pastor should have a strong educational, theological, and experiential background.

The elders will lead the process to find the next Lead Pastor. As noted, CPC has engaged with the Slingshot Group to identify potential candidates. The elders will communicate consistently with the body throughout the process as we progress.

The elders are interested in engaging with any staff member interested in being CPC’s next Lead Pastor. Any internal candidates will be vetted through Slingshot in the same way as external candidates.

In conjunction with the elders, the Lead Pastor will help shape CPC ministries to advance the mission, core values, and vision of CPC.

In conjunction with the elders, the Lead Pastor will help shape CPC ministries to advance the mission, core values, and vision of CPC.

Ideally, the new Lead Pastor will have some time of overlap with Mark before he transitions in the Fall of 2021.

Yes! There will be an opportunity for the people of CPC to thank and appreciate Mark and Lynn for their impact on CPC and beyond over the last 35 years.

Pray for Mark and Lynn and their transition to their next season ahead.

Pray for the elders to follow the Holy Spirit during the search for a new Lead Pastor.

Pray for the heart, mind, and call of the new Lead Pastor wherever they may be.

Pray and be open to how you are led to be more involved at CPC.