Where We Are, What’s Next, and How You Can Be Involved

As we continue preparing for the next season of leadership at Two Rivers, we want to help our church family better understand the process of finding our next Lead Pastor and how you can be involved along the way.

Our Elders have partnered with N.L. Moore & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in pastoral leadership transitions, to guide us through a thoughtful, prayerful search process.

This isn’t simply about filling a position. It’s about discerning who Jesus is calling to lead Two Rivers into its next season of ministry.

The Five Phases of Our Search

N.L. Moore has outlined a five-phase process designed to help churches make informed, prayerful leadership decisions. Here’s what that process looks like and where we currently stand.

Phase 1: Gather Evidence

Completed

The process began by listening and learning. Through a congregational assessment, on-site interviews, and focus groups, N.L. Moore gathered valuable insight into the life of Two Rivers, our leadership, and the opportunities ahead.

Phase 2: Develop Candidate Profiles

Completed

Using the information gathered in Phase 1, N.L. Moore developed Candidate and Opportunity Profiles. These profiles help identify the leadership qualities, experience, and characteristics needed in our next Lead Pastor while considering the unique mission and needs of Two Rivers.

Phase 3: Find Candidates

Current Phase

This is where we are today!

The Lead Pastor position has officially been posted, and the nationwide search is underway.

During this phase, N.L. Moore works to identify and prequalify potential candidates by evaluating their theology, education, ministry experience, references, and personal assessments. At the same time, our search team prepares for the interview process.

This is an important step, and we’re grateful for the work that has brought us to this point.

Phase 4: Search Team Interviews

Upcoming

Once qualified candidates have been identified, our church’s search team will begin a more focused discernment process through interviews and personal visits.

This phase allows the search team to get to know potential candidates more personally, learn about their ministry experience and leadership, and prayerfully consider who may be the right fit for Two Rivers.

Because this process involves individuals and families who may currently be serving in other churches, some details will remain confidential.

Phase 5: Select and Confirm

Upcoming

Following the interview and discernment process, a final candidate will be recommended to church leadership and confirmed according to our church bylaws.

This phase includes an important opportunity for our congregation to participate through a candidacy weekend.

During this weekend, our church family will have the opportunity to hear the prospective Lead Pastor preach live and participate in opportunities to meet and get to know the candidate.

We’ll share more details about the candidacy weekend, including dates, opportunities to participate, and any congregational responsibilities outlined in our bylaws, as we approach that stage.

Our desire is for our church family to feel informed, connected, and prayerfully engaged throughout this important decision.

How Can Our Church Family Be Involved?

While much of the candidate evaluation and interview process is handled by N.L. Moore and our search team, there are two important ways our entire church family can participate: through ongoing prayer and, when the time comes, the candidacy weekend.

1. Pray With Us Throughout the Process

Prayer isn’t just one step in the search. It’s the foundation of the entire process.

We invite you to join us in praying for:

  • Our Elders and Search Team: For wisdom, unity, discernment, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as they navigate important decisions.
  • Potential Candidates: For clarity and peace as they consider where Jesus may be calling them to serve.
  • Our Future Lead Pastor: That Jesus would be preparing both our church and the person who will eventually step into this role.
  • Mark and Teri Hoffman: For encouragement, joy, and peace as they navigate this season of transition.
  • Our Church Family: That we would remain unified, patient, and committed to following Jesus together.

We believe prayer is one of the most meaningful ways every person at Two Rivers can participate in this process, regardless of campus, age, or how long they’ve been part of our church.

2. Participate in the Candidacy Weekend

When the search reaches its final phase, our congregation will have an opportunity to meet the prospective Lead Pastor during a candidacy weekend.

This will be an important moment for our church family to hear directly from the candidate, experience their preaching, and begin getting to know the person being considered for this role.

As we get closer to that weekend, we’ll communicate what to expect, how you can participate, and any next steps involved in the confirmation process.

Until then, we encourage you to continue praying and trusting Jesus to guide each step.

Staying Informed Along the Way

We know there will be questions as the search progresses, and we are committed to providing meaningful updates throughout the process.

Some parts of the search must remain confidential, but we’ll continue sharing important milestones and opportunities for involvement as information becomes available.

You can find the latest updates and information right here on our Lead Pastor Succession page.

We’re grateful for the faithful leadership that has brought Two Rivers to this point, and we look forward with hope and expectation to what Jesus has ahead.

The next chapter of leadership is still being written, but our mission remains the same: following Jesus together and making the Gospel real in our communities.