Lead Pastor Transition
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In January 2017, we shared the news that Lead Pastor Keith Cowart and his wife, Pam, would be transitioning out of leadership at CCC by the end of 2018. On March 11, 2018, it was announced that Executive Pastor Derrick Shields will be Keith's successor at that time.
Derrick has been on staff at CCC since 2011, serving as pastor for outreach, missions and Celebrate Recovery before moving into the Executive Pastor role in 2014. Prior to joining the staff, he served for several years in a volunteer and part-time capacity while transitioning from a successful business career. For more on Derrick, click here. For more information on the transition, see below. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How was the decision on Pastor Keith’s successor made?
Christ Community is a part of the Free Methodist Church. Our denomination is known as a “connectional” church as opposed to a “congregational” church. Connectional churches receive oversight from elected leaders, such as superintendents and bishops. Among other things, these leaders are responsible for appointing pastors to lead churches. In some connectional systems, the local church has little or no voice in the decision. In the Free Methodist Church, the process is much more collaborative. Superintendents work with the local church board to assess the needs of the church, consider possible candidates, evaluate those candidates, and make a final recommendation to the bishop.
When a local church is deemed healthy, our denominational leaders put a great deal of trust in the local leadership. Christ Community has been recognized as one of the healthiest churches in the denomination by our leaders. Thus, our superintendent and bishop gave our board a great deal of latitude in leading the search for Pastor Keith’s successor. Once our board reached a decision on who it believes should serve as the next Lead Pastor, that decision was shared with the superintendent. The superintendent then weighed in and took a recommendation to the bishop and a ministerial appointments team for prayerful consideration and the final decision.
What happens now that the decision has been made?
The appointment of a new Lead Pastor will not take full effect until Pastor Keith officially steps down at the end of October. By making the decision early, our board and denominational leaders believe we are providing the best opportunity for the new Lead Pastor to gain the trust and full support of the congregation, while also providing Pastor Keith a critical window in which to coach and prepare not only his successor, but the entire team, for a new era of leadership.
What’s next for the Cowarts?
In early January, Pastor Keith was nominated for consideration as the next superintendent of the Southeastern Region of the Free Methodist Church (Georgia, Alabama, Florida). In late January, he was interviewed by the superintendent search committees of the two conferences (Alabama-Georgia, South Atlantic) and unanimously approved by both to be the sole candidate for election.
In March, Alabama-Georgia voted to accept his nomination. South Atlantic (Florida) will hold its vote in mid-April. Generally, conferences approve the recommendation of its search committee.
If Pastor Keith is elected, he will begin serving as superintendent in January of 2019. He and Pam intend to take a sabbatical in November and December of this year to rest and gear up for the next season of ministry together. The superintendent role will allow Pastor Keith and Pam to devote most of their time and energy to developing strong and healthy leaders who lead strong and healthy churches throughout the Southeastern Region.
At this time, the Cowarts intend to make Columbus their “home base” from which they will provide leadership for the region. In full support of the new CCC leadership, Pastor Keith will maintain a healthy distance from which he can provide ongoing support, and at the same time, avoid interference or inappropriate involvement in the CCC community.
Does that mean the Cowarts will be attending CCC on a regular basis?
The Cowart family now consists of four adults (soon to be five!). Andrew is currently away studying at Toccoa Falls College. Aaron will be married to Hannah Mae Kight in May, after which they plan to continue living in Columbus. Andrew, Aaron and Hannah Mae all are devoted members of the church and fully intend to maintain a vital connection with their CCC family.
As for Keith and Pam, the short answer is, “No.” Their new role will mean that they will be leading or participating in worship services throughout the region on most Sundays. However, Pastor Keith will maintain a healthy connection to the CCC staff and leadership. He strongly believes CCC will continue playing a major role in the region as a training and sending church and wants to bring significant influence and resources to help make that happen on an even greater scale in the future.
Christ Community is a part of the Free Methodist Church. Our denomination is known as a “connectional” church as opposed to a “congregational” church. Connectional churches receive oversight from elected leaders, such as superintendents and bishops. Among other things, these leaders are responsible for appointing pastors to lead churches. In some connectional systems, the local church has little or no voice in the decision. In the Free Methodist Church, the process is much more collaborative. Superintendents work with the local church board to assess the needs of the church, consider possible candidates, evaluate those candidates, and make a final recommendation to the bishop.
When a local church is deemed healthy, our denominational leaders put a great deal of trust in the local leadership. Christ Community has been recognized as one of the healthiest churches in the denomination by our leaders. Thus, our superintendent and bishop gave our board a great deal of latitude in leading the search for Pastor Keith’s successor. Once our board reached a decision on who it believes should serve as the next Lead Pastor, that decision was shared with the superintendent. The superintendent then weighed in and took a recommendation to the bishop and a ministerial appointments team for prayerful consideration and the final decision.
What happens now that the decision has been made?
The appointment of a new Lead Pastor will not take full effect until Pastor Keith officially steps down at the end of October. By making the decision early, our board and denominational leaders believe we are providing the best opportunity for the new Lead Pastor to gain the trust and full support of the congregation, while also providing Pastor Keith a critical window in which to coach and prepare not only his successor, but the entire team, for a new era of leadership.
What’s next for the Cowarts?
In early January, Pastor Keith was nominated for consideration as the next superintendent of the Southeastern Region of the Free Methodist Church (Georgia, Alabama, Florida). In late January, he was interviewed by the superintendent search committees of the two conferences (Alabama-Georgia, South Atlantic) and unanimously approved by both to be the sole candidate for election.
In March, Alabama-Georgia voted to accept his nomination. South Atlantic (Florida) will hold its vote in mid-April. Generally, conferences approve the recommendation of its search committee.
If Pastor Keith is elected, he will begin serving as superintendent in January of 2019. He and Pam intend to take a sabbatical in November and December of this year to rest and gear up for the next season of ministry together. The superintendent role will allow Pastor Keith and Pam to devote most of their time and energy to developing strong and healthy leaders who lead strong and healthy churches throughout the Southeastern Region.
At this time, the Cowarts intend to make Columbus their “home base” from which they will provide leadership for the region. In full support of the new CCC leadership, Pastor Keith will maintain a healthy distance from which he can provide ongoing support, and at the same time, avoid interference or inappropriate involvement in the CCC community.
Does that mean the Cowarts will be attending CCC on a regular basis?
The Cowart family now consists of four adults (soon to be five!). Andrew is currently away studying at Toccoa Falls College. Aaron will be married to Hannah Mae Kight in May, after which they plan to continue living in Columbus. Andrew, Aaron and Hannah Mae all are devoted members of the church and fully intend to maintain a vital connection with their CCC family.
As for Keith and Pam, the short answer is, “No.” Their new role will mean that they will be leading or participating in worship services throughout the region on most Sundays. However, Pastor Keith will maintain a healthy connection to the CCC staff and leadership. He strongly believes CCC will continue playing a major role in the region as a training and sending church and wants to bring significant influence and resources to help make that happen on an even greater scale in the future.