“I’m so thankful for all the ways God has moved through this church family over the years. And I believe with all my heart that the best is still yet to come. Being a part of this community and of this great church family, is one of the greatest joys of our lives. My wife, Terry, and I look forward to continuing to be a part of both in the days ahead.” – Pastor Phillip
FAQs
Cedar Creek Church: Senior Pastor Transition
After 26 years of faithful service, Pastor Phillip has prayerfully discerned that it’s time to enter a new season of life and leadership. This decision comes after much prayer, conversation, and reflection with his family and our church leadership.
His official retirement date is May 17, 2026.
Pastor Phillip will continue leading, preaching, and serving through the next year. A search process is underway to identify our next Senior Pastor, with the goal of a smooth, Spirit-led transition.
The new Senior Pastor is expected to begin preaching consistently starting in December 2025/January 2026. This overlap allows time for shared leadership and a healthy hand-off.
This special Sunday (date to be announced) will mark the symbolic transition between Pastor Phillip and the incoming Senior Pastor, celebrating the past and looking ahead to the future.
Our Transition Team will oversee the search process. The transition team has gathered input from our staff and leadership team.
The Senior Pastor job profile will be available on our church website and shared with trusted ministry networks beginning June 2, 2025.
We will provide monthly updates through our church newsletter, social media, and a dedicated transition page on our website: www.cedarcreekchurch.net/transition
The congregation will be actively involved and regularly informed throughout the search and transition process—through monthly updates, opportunities to pray for the transition team, and moments to offer encouragement. At the conclusion of the search, there will be a congregational vote of all members of Cedar Creek Church to confirm the Transition Team’s recommendation for our next Senior Pastor.
Pray for:
– Wisdom and discernment for the transition team
– Peace and clarity for Pastor Phillip and his family
– God’s chosen leader for Cedar Creek’s next chapter
– Unity, hope, and trust within our church family
Feel free to reach out to the Transition Team via email, transitionteam@cedarcreekchurch.net, for any questions, conversations, or prayer requests related to the transition. The transition team includes Don and Cheri Nesbit, Chad and Sophie Kelly, and Greg and Angela Ziel.
We will provide monthly updates through our church newsletter, social media, and a dedicated transition page on our website: www.cedarcreekchurch.net/transition
Transition Team Update October 2025
Last month, we shared that our Transition Team had begun formal interviews with candidates for our next Senior Pastor. We are grateful for your prayers during this important step.
After much prayer, conversation, and discernment, the field has now been narrowed to two candidates. The transition team is not rushing this process; they are taking the time to be prayerful and are listening to the Lord’s leading.
As they move forward, we are asking for your continued prayers for wisdom, unity, and God’s clear leading in this next phase of the process.
We believe God is guiding every step, and we look forward to keeping you updated as we walk this journey together as a church family.
If you have any questions or comments along the way, feel free to reach out to the Transition Team.
Transition Team
Feel free to reach out to the Transition Team via email, transitionteam@cedarcreekchurch.net, for any questions, conversations, or prayer requests related to the transition. The transition team includes Don and Cheri Nesbit, Chad and Sophie Kelly, and Greg and Angela Ziel.
Please pray for and encourage this team as they steward this season of transition at Cedar Creek Church.
Greg & Angela Ziel
Transition Team
Don & Cheri Nesbit
Transition Team
Chad & Sophie Kelly
Transition Team