Pastor David has been prayerfully thinking about this next step and the timing of this process for over nine years.
The elders have actively supported Pastor David from the beginning, engaging in prayer, seeking wisdom from others, and discussing the matter intentionally.The elders are in 100% agreement this is God’s direction for our church.
Beltway Park is committed to trusting God for plans and strategies to fulfill its mission.
There is a solid process in place that we all need to embrace as we move forward.
Will Pastor David still play an active role in Beltway Park's leadership?
Yes, Pastor David will be part of the church leadership but in a different way, through a new role at Beltway Park titled “Legacy Pastor.”
The church is overseen and guided by our elder body, with the Lead Pastor serving as the “leader among leaders.”A new Lead Pastor will take this leadership position with the elders when Pastor David transitions roles in May 2025.
For a period, Pastor David will not be an elder; he will serve as an Elder Advisor, without participating in decision-making processes for the elders or staff.
In his role as one of Beltway’s elder advisors, Pastor David will help in a pastoral role in the church and provide spiritual guidance alongside the Lead Pastor and elder body.
What is the new Legacy Pastor role at Beltway Park?
The Legacy Pastor will primarily serve the Lead Pastor and elders in pastoring the church and providing spiritual support.
The Legacy Pastor will also serve as a teaching pastor, with Pastor David preaching about half the time in the upcoming season.
This role includes being a “spiritual father” and coach to the new Lead Pastor, as well as to the elders and staff.
Beltway Park aims to strengthen the global church in fulfilling its mission, and the Legacy Pastor has been tasked by the elders to expand this vision by mentoring younger Lead Pastors and churches worldwide.
Will Pastor David move?
No, Pastor David and Jeannette will remain on staff at Beltway Park.
David and Jeannette are covenant members of Beltway Park Church, which has been their home for over 26 years, and this will continue for them along with their children and grandchildren.
Jeannette will continue her role as the Director of Foster/Adoption Ministry, a position she founded and has held for several years.
Is Pastor David retiring?
Pastor David is not retiring. He is transitioning into a full-time role that God has directed the elders to create for him to take on. This role is designed to help expand the God-given mission of Beltway Park for its next chapter.
Are David and Jeannette healthy? Is something wrong with their health?
This transition is unrelated to David and Jeannette’s health; both are currently healthy.
David and Jeannette, along with the elders, are confident that this is the right time for them to serve Beltway Park and the wider church community in the new role created for them by God.
Do the elders know who the new Lead Pastor will be?
The elders are very confident in the individual God has chosen to be the new Lead Pastor.
About three years ago, the elders felt led to actively seek out the next Lead Pastor and to plan the timing for this transition.
A little over a year ago, the elders confirmed their choice for the next Lead Pastor and have since been working behind the scenes to facilitate a smooth transition.
When will the elders announce the new Lead Pastor?
The elders will announce the new Lead Pastor in January 2025.
They have chosen to make the announcement of this transition in two parts, giving the church body time to process Pastor David’s new role before introducing the new Lead Pastor.
Are there problems at Beltway Park that are creating this transition?
No. As Pastor David has prayed into this matter over the past nine years, he has become convinced that “spiritual fathers” hand things to “spiritual sons” when they are strong and healthy.
We can say with great confidence and gratitude that Beltway Park is healthy and strong.No external situation has created this transition.
For more than 25 years, the elders have been committed to following God’s guidance not just in actions, but also in timing.We are confident we are doing just that.
The elders are confident this is the “divine time” for Pastor David to transition into his new role and for the new Lead Pastor to assume his responsibilities.
What will change regarding Beltway's ministries?
In the 26+ years that Pastor David has served as Lead Pastor, we have continually adjusted ministry programs in response to God's direction, the church's needs and the community's context.
This adaptive approach willl continue as the church seeks to help as many people as possible take their first steps and next steps with Jesus.
Will any staff leave as part of this process?
We do not anticipate any team leaders leaving during this transition, as they are committed to seeing it through and trusting the elders’ leadership.
In a church as large as ours, we naturally have staff turnover in any year.
When a new Lead Pastors arrives, God may lead some team members to serve elsewhere, and this should be celebrated.
Currently, the elders and key staff are dedicated to Beltway Park Church and view it as their place of service, committing to give their all during this season.
How will this impact current staff searches?
In a church as large as ours, there are often ongoing searches for staff members called to serve in the next season.
Candidates being seriously considered for staff roles are informed about the transition, and recent hires have also been advised.
While the transition may impact some of the searches, most leaders feel reassured by the clear plan in place and the overall health and strength of the church.
