Oakdale LEadership
Transition
Kevin Announcement:
Letter to Oakdale Family:
Dear Oakdale Church Family,
I am writing to let you know that during our worship services yesterday [06/07/2026], I shared with the congregation that I have informed the Board and Elders of my desire to retire sometime within the next 12 months.
This has not been an easy decision. Michelle and I have spent time in prayer, seeking God's wisdom and clarity regarding this next season of our lives. After much prayer and discernment, we believe this is God's leading for us and for Oakdale Church.
It has been an incredible privilege to serve as your Senior Pastor for the past 20 years. Together we have grown in faith, celebrated God's blessings, walked through seasons of joy and sorrow, and sought to follow His calling for our church. The relationships we have built and the experiences we have shared will always hold a special place in our hearts.
While transitions can bring uncertainty, they also create opportunities for new growth, fresh vision, and continued Kingdom impact. At this point, no specific retirement date has been established. This timeline is intentional, allowing the Board and Elders the time needed to prayerfully and carefully navigate the transition process. I know many of you will have questions in the days ahead, and I would encourage you to direct questions regarding the transition process to our Board Chair, Diana Smith, boardec@oakdale.church.
There are still many details to be worked out, and we will have time to process this transition together. For now, please know that my love for this church, this family, and the mission God has given us remains as strong as ever.
In the months ahead, very little will change in the day-to-day life of the church. I will continue preaching, leading, and serving until the Board has clarity regarding the next Senior Pastor. When that time comes, I will do everything I can to support a smooth and healthy transition.
I invite you to join us in prayer—for Michelle and me, for our Board and Elders, and for our entire church family. We serve a faithful God who guides His people and accomplishes His purposes. As we trust Him together, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He has good plans for Oakdale Church and that His blessings are still ahead.
Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to serve as your pastor and friend. Michelle and I are deeply grateful for each of you and look forward to walking through this next season together. The greatest joy of these past 20 years has been watching God transform lives and allowing me to walk alongside you in your faith journeys.
Your brother-in-Christ,
Pastor Kevin
CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY:
Oakdale Family, we need your feedback.
As the Oakdale Board prepares to begin the search for our next Lead Pastor, we want to hear from you. Your responses will help us better understand our church family and identify the priorities and qualities that are most important to you as we seek God's direction in this important season.
This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts thoughtfully and honestly. Thank you for investing in the future of Oakdale through your prayers, your participation, and your perspective.
FAQ for TRANSITION:
When Will Pastor Kevin Retire?
Pastor Kevin has shared his desire to retire sometime within the next 12 months, but no specific retirement date has been established. This intentional timeline allows the Board and Elders the opportunity to prayerfully and carefully lead the search for Oakdale's next Lead Pastor. Pastor Kevin will continue serving in his current role until the Board has clarity regarding the next Lead Pastor and a healthy transition plan is in place.
Will Pastor Kevin continue leading the church during the transition?
Yes. During this season, Pastor Kevin will continue preaching, leading, and serving as Oakdale's Senior Pastor. While preparations for the future are underway, the day-to-day ministry of the church will continue as normal.
How will Oakdale choose its next Lead Pastor?
The Board and Elders are committed to seeking God's wisdom throughout this process. Over the coming months, they will gather input from the congregation, prayerfully evaluate the needs of Oakdale, and develop a search process for identifying the next Lead Pastor. Additional details will be shared as they become available.
Why is Oakdale asking members to complete a congregational survey?
The survey is one of several ways the Board is listening to the church family. Your responses will help us better understand the strengths of Oakdale, the priorities of our congregation, and the qualities that members believe are important in our next Lead Pastor. While the survey will not determine who is selected, it will provide valuable insight to help inform the search process.
How can I support Oakdale during this transition?
The most important thing you can do is pray. Please pray for Pastor Kevin and Michelle, for the Board and Elders, and for the future Lead Pastor God is preparing for Oakdale. We also encourage you to remain engaged in the life of the church by worshiping regularly, serving, participating in your Small Group, and completing the congregational survey.
Will there be regular updates during the search?
Yes. We are committed to communicating important updates throughout the process while also respecting the confidentiality that is necessary during a pastoral search. We will share information as appropriate through our website, email, and weekend services.
Will Oakdale's mission or vision change?
Oakdale's mission remains the same: to make disciples who make disciples. While every leader brings unique gifts and perspectives, our commitment to following Christ, teaching God's Word, and reaching people with the Gospel will remain unchanged.
Who should I contact with additional questions?
If you have questions regarding the pastoral transition or search process, please contact Board Chair, Diana Smith, at boardec@oakdale.church
