Pastor Mike McKee Called to Lead Cedar Creek Church
Cedar Creek Church is stepping into a new chapter as Pastor Mike McKee has been named our next Senior Pastor. After a prayerful and intentional transition process, Pastor Mike will join Pastor Phillip Lee in a shared “Passing the Baton” Sunday on March 22, 2026 at 11:00am, as both pastors share the pulpit. This meaningful moment marks Pastor Phillip’s final Sunday preaching as Senior Pastor and Pastor Mike’s first Sunday stepping into that role. Following this handoff, Pastor Mike will continue leading Cedar Creek forward. We are grateful for God’s faithfulness in the past and look ahead with hope and expectation for all He has in store.
Honoring Pastor Phillip
Passing the Baton - Sunday, March 22nd
One Service Only
Sunday
11:00 AM Only
Retirement Celebration
Sunday
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Goshen Farm
Senior Pastor Transition Updates
The Transition Team, together with the Elders, has completed interviews with the final candidates for the position of Senior Pastor at Cedar Creek Church. We continue to prayerfully seek God’s guidance as we discern who will lead our congregation in this next season.
Please join us in praying for wisdom, unity, and discernment for both the Transition Team and the Elders as we enter the final phase of this process.
The search began with over 90 applications. From there, 9 candidates were invited for meet-and-greet sessions, and the group was narrowed to 4. Those 4 then participated in in-depth interviews with the Transition Team, from which 2 finalists were selected. These 2 candidates were subsequently interviewed by Executive Director Nat Gifford, Senior Pastor Phillip Lee, and the Elders.
As we near the conclusion of this search, Pastor Phillip has stepped back from the decision-making process. He asks that we all continue to pray for the Transition Team and Elders, that the Holy Spirit would continue to guide our hearts and minds.
While there is no fixed timeline, once a final candidate is chosen, they will have the opportunity to preach before the congregation. All covenant members will then be invited to vote on and approve the new Senior Pastor.
Thank you for your continued prayers and faith as we seek God’s will for Cedar Creek Church.
“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 Sunday, March 22nd.
Pastor Phillip will continue leading, preaching, and serving through his retirement.
Pastor Mike McKee will begin preaching on Sunday, March 22nd, but he will be present and on staff in February 2026. This overlap allows time for shared leadership and a healthy hand-off.
This special Sunday on March 22, 2026 will mark the symbolic transition between Pastor Phillip and Pastor Mike McKee, celebrating the past and looking ahead to the future. We will have one service only at 11:00 a.m.
Pray for:
– Wisdom and discernment for the transition team
– Peace and clarity for Pastor Phillip and Mrs. Terry Lee as they begin a new chapter
– Peace, clarity, and excitement for Pastor Mike and his family as they step into the calling of leading Cedar Creek Church
– 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.
The Pastor Transition Fund is available for those who wish to contribute. This fund will be used at the church’s discretion to honor Pastor Phillip, support any transition-related needs, and help celebrate this significant milestone in the life of our church. Gifts to this fund are tax-deductible, as they are given directly to the church.
Participation is completely voluntary and separate from regular tithes and offerings. If you would like to contribute to the Pastor Transition Fund, you can do so online or via the Cedar Creek Church App by selecting “Pastor Transition Fund.” You can also contribute by check with “Transition Fund” noted in the memo line.
Is this gift required?
No. This is completely optional and is simply an opportunity for those who wish to participate.
Is this separate from my regular giving?
Yes. This gift is not a tithe or offering and should not replace regular giving to the church.
Is there a deadline to give?
We ask that gifts be given by March 15 so they may be included as part of the retirement celebration.
Is this tax-deductible?
All contributions to the fund are tax-deductible and will be used under the church’s discretion to support appropriate transition expenditures in accordance with IRS guidelines.
How will these funds be used?
Funds will be used to honor Pastor Phillip and support transition-related events. The church and Elder Board will oversee the use of the Pastor Transition Fund to ensure it aligns with IRS guidelines and church policy.
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