May 5th, 2025
by One Church
by One Church
Pastor Rick Announces Transition Plan
Dear Church Family,
On May 4th, during our morning services, Pastor Rick announced his plan to retire as Lead Pastor of One Church later this year. As we prepare to honor the legacy of Pastor Rick and welcome the next generation of leadership, this email offers an overview of our transition process and will answer some questions that you may have.
First and foremost, Pastor Rick’s retirement comes after years of fruitful ministry and at a time that he has reached his well-earned retirement age. This transition is a joyful passing of the torch to the next generation. Our board and our denomination have unanimously approved Pastor Brian to be One Church’s next Lead Pastor!
We understand that change can be difficult and transition can be challenging. At the same time, echoing Pastor Rick, we are excited for what’s to come because God has led us to this point. One Church is vibrant, growing, and experiencing spiritual momentum right now, and this transition is an additional sign of growth. The Scriptures remind us in 2 Timothy 2:2 to pass on what we have learned, ensuring that our faith continues to flourish. And in Philippians 1:6, we’re reassured that the good work God started in us will be brought to completion. Our transition is a healthy, God-ordained step forward.
Please continue reading for some practical information regarding the next steps, as well as a message from Pastor Rick and Pastor Brian.
On May 4th, during our morning services, Pastor Rick announced his plan to retire as Lead Pastor of One Church later this year. As we prepare to honor the legacy of Pastor Rick and welcome the next generation of leadership, this email offers an overview of our transition process and will answer some questions that you may have.
First and foremost, Pastor Rick’s retirement comes after years of fruitful ministry and at a time that he has reached his well-earned retirement age. This transition is a joyful passing of the torch to the next generation. Our board and our denomination have unanimously approved Pastor Brian to be One Church’s next Lead Pastor!
We understand that change can be difficult and transition can be challenging. At the same time, echoing Pastor Rick, we are excited for what’s to come because God has led us to this point. One Church is vibrant, growing, and experiencing spiritual momentum right now, and this transition is an additional sign of growth. The Scriptures remind us in 2 Timothy 2:2 to pass on what we have learned, ensuring that our faith continues to flourish. And in Philippians 1:6, we’re reassured that the good work God started in us will be brought to completion. Our transition is a healthy, God-ordained step forward.
Please continue reading for some practical information regarding the next steps, as well as a message from Pastor Rick and Pastor Brian.
From Pastor Rick:
For the past 24 years, God has given me the privilege of leading One Church. I had no idea in 2001 what that would mean for us. I grew as a leader, and we grew as a congregation. So many lives have been influenced to follow Jesus for the first time, and that is not possible unless you all invited them to come and check out worship on Sunday. The number of people serving with kids, teens, greeters, ushers, and small group leaders is staggering. There is more to come!
Last time I checked, heaven’s gates are still open, and more people need to get in before Jesus returns. God bless you as you do your part to help them get there!
Brian shared about the first time we met at Tim Horton’s, and I asked, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” His response centered around making Akron and One Church their home. I had another question I asked God that day: “Why are Brian and Danielle here?” It wasn’t long after that God answered my question. We were in need of a youth leader, so I asked Brian if he would be interested, and he said, “Yes.” The church board interviewed him, and his staff journey at One Church began.
Personally, you have become family to me as we worshiped, hung out in the foyer at church, and shared other times in growth groups, memories I will never forget. There is something about our gatherings that new people pick up on right away… that we like each other, have fun being together, and that there is a place for them in our church. Keep being who you are!
Brian has a passion to see those who attend church make a first-time commitment to Jesus and find a place to serve on our Dream Team. As we approach this time of my retirement and transition, our Conference and church board interviewed and agreed that Pastor Brian will be the next Lead Pastor at One Church. Looking forward to seeing what God does as he leads One Church into the next chapter of our story. You are a blessing to me, Brian, and to many others. Thank you!"
Last time I checked, heaven’s gates are still open, and more people need to get in before Jesus returns. God bless you as you do your part to help them get there!
Brian shared about the first time we met at Tim Horton’s, and I asked, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” His response centered around making Akron and One Church their home. I had another question I asked God that day: “Why are Brian and Danielle here?” It wasn’t long after that God answered my question. We were in need of a youth leader, so I asked Brian if he would be interested, and he said, “Yes.” The church board interviewed him, and his staff journey at One Church began.
Personally, you have become family to me as we worshiped, hung out in the foyer at church, and shared other times in growth groups, memories I will never forget. There is something about our gatherings that new people pick up on right away… that we like each other, have fun being together, and that there is a place for them in our church. Keep being who you are!
Brian has a passion to see those who attend church make a first-time commitment to Jesus and find a place to serve on our Dream Team. As we approach this time of my retirement and transition, our Conference and church board interviewed and agreed that Pastor Brian will be the next Lead Pastor at One Church. Looking forward to seeing what God does as he leads One Church into the next chapter of our story. You are a blessing to me, Brian, and to many others. Thank you!"
Next Steps & Transition Info
When will this take place?
- September 14th will officially be Pastor Rick’s last Sunday, and Pastor Brian will be installed as our new Lead Pastor.
- During Pastor Rick’s remaining tenure, our goal is to continue to grow, make impact in our community and stay on mission to Know God & Make Him Known! Pastor Rick will be preaching and leading during this time as Pastor Brian works alongside him to ensure a smooth transition.
- We have been blessed with a diverse, talented staff team. Each staff member will remain in their current roles, continuing to serve the church with the same heart and mission!
From Pastor Brian:
I've often heard people refer to the most influential pastor in their life as "their Moses." And Pastor Rick is absolutely that in my life. But he is also so much more. For the last 14 years, he has been my pastor, mentor, leader, spiritual father, and friend. He has stood by my side on my hardest days and celebrated with me during some of life's greatest moments. God used his generosity of the pulpit, leadership, and pouring into me over the years to help shape me into the pastor and man I am today and I will forever be grateful for the investment he made. He is one of the most consistent men I've ever met. He is the same person in the pulpit as he is on the golf course as he is meeting one on one in his office. He lives what he preaches, cares deeply for people, and has a faith I will always admire. His fingerprints will forever be on this church and his legacy and impact will live on for generations.
I remember my first time getting coffee with Pastor Rick at Tim Hortons all those years ago. We talked about ministry, God's call on my life, this church that I was just getting involved with that is now my home, and at one point he asked me, "where do you see yourself in 10 years?" I responded, "I see myself in Akron long-term." It seemed like a foolish statement coming out of my mouth only after a couple weeks attending the church, yet at the same time, I think I knew from the first time walking into the building and meeting the incredible people, that this was where God was calling Danielle and I to put down roots.
I didn't know what that would look like or even how that would happen, but here we are. Our family now lives in Akron, raising kids in the community, and more friends than I could imagine in the church and community. This is our home, and I'm so grateful God, by His grace, led us here. I am humbled to have been chosen by our Board of Administration, and affirmed by our denomination’s conference to be your next lead pastor. This is a role I’ve been preparing for, feel called to, and I couldn’t be more excited to be your pastor. I believe God’s timing and His hand is guiding this transition and I’m committed to leading One Church as we continue to Know God and to Make Him Known in Akron, Medina, and beyond.
I remember my first time getting coffee with Pastor Rick at Tim Hortons all those years ago. We talked about ministry, God's call on my life, this church that I was just getting involved with that is now my home, and at one point he asked me, "where do you see yourself in 10 years?" I responded, "I see myself in Akron long-term." It seemed like a foolish statement coming out of my mouth only after a couple weeks attending the church, yet at the same time, I think I knew from the first time walking into the building and meeting the incredible people, that this was where God was calling Danielle and I to put down roots.
I didn't know what that would look like or even how that would happen, but here we are. Our family now lives in Akron, raising kids in the community, and more friends than I could imagine in the church and community. This is our home, and I'm so grateful God, by His grace, led us here. I am humbled to have been chosen by our Board of Administration, and affirmed by our denomination’s conference to be your next lead pastor. This is a role I’ve been preparing for, feel called to, and I couldn’t be more excited to be your pastor. I believe God’s timing and His hand is guiding this transition and I’m committed to leading One Church as we continue to Know God and to Make Him Known in Akron, Medina, and beyond.
Mark Your Calendars for September 14th
On September 16th, 2001, Pastor Rick stepped into the role of Lead Pastor. Now, nearly 24 years to the day, he will officially ‘pass the baton.’ Join us in person for this special moment as we celebrate Pastor Rick’s incredible legacy and embrace the future with Pastor Brian stepping into leadership!
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