FAQ: Lead Pastor Succession Plan

Why is Pastor Rusty transitioning out?

When Pastor Rusty and those who joined him planted Church That Matters (CTM) in 2010, the church experienced significant growth and fruitful ministry quickly. God blessed the ministry model and structure to truly reach lost people, make disciples, and foster a church culture that leads to multiplication.

Over the years, this ministry success led to CTM and Pastor Rusty being sought after to coach and train other church planters and churches seeking to become sending churches who discover, develop, and deploy church planters and planting teams. This further led to Pastor Rusty being asked to become a contract consultant with church planting networks, eventually leading to a
partnership and position with Send Network, the church planting arm of the North American Mission Board. Initially, CTM Elders, staff, and Pastor Rusty developed strategies for Pastor Rusty to continue leading CTM while fulfilling his role with the Send Network.

However, in the summer of 2023, Pastor Rusty began to sense that he was holding CTM back from its next stage of growth and fulfilling its vision of seeing Sand Springs transformed for the glory of God. His love for the city of Sand Springs and Church That Matters has never faded. However, over time, his influence and opportunities around the country continued to grow, leading to more energy and time being required fulfill the needs of this missionary role. After much fasting, prayer, and counsel with key leaders, the Lord confirmed to Pastor Rusty, his family, CTM’s Elders, Executive Staff, and trusted advisors that this is a calling he needs to continue in. Throughout 2024, CTM executive staff members and their wives along with the CTM Elders have had multiple times of fasting and prayer and “meetings for clearness” to seek the Lord’s direction for Pastor Rusty’s ministry and Church That Matters. Through those times, the Lord brought unity and clarity around a pastoral succession plan that has now been put in place.

Scriptural Foundation:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” - Proverbs 15:22

What is the timeline for the transition?

The official passing of the baton of leadership is scheduled to take place during CTM’s 15th anniversary celebration in September 2025. The plan was announced on Sunday, January 12, 2025. From January to September, there will be a preparation period for the new Lead Pastor, during which leadership responsibilities will gradually shift.

What is the timeline for the transition?

Until September 2025, Pastor Rusty remains the Lead Pastor of CTM. Jonathan Williams will continue as Chief Executive Pastor, overseeing staff and day-to-day ministry operations. The new Lead Pastor will begin participating more in decision-making and processes but will not officially assume the role until September.

Will the current pastor still be involved in the church?

Yes. Pastor Rusty will remain an active part of CTM, fulfilling the Contributor Covenant alongside his family. He will transition to serving as an Elder and will continue to be recognized as CTM’s Founding Pastor. Additionally, he will remain available to the new Lead Pastor for counsel and wisdom when needed and serve on the CTM Preaching Team as requested.

How was the new pastor chosen?

One of the specific requests Pastor Rusty, CTM Executive staff and their wives, and the CTM Elders made of God during their times of fasting and prayer and meetings for clearness is that the Lord would reveal to Pastor Rusty who the next lead pastor for Church That Matters should be. The CTM bylaws require Pastor Rusty to recommend a successor to the Elders for affirmation.
Pastor Rusty did not want to do this in a vacuum, so he involved the executive staff and their wives and the Elders in praying for this decision. He also asked that anyone from this group who believed they heard from the Lord about who the next lead pastor should be come to him to share. The Lord honored the process and request, and within the timeline they had asked the Lord to reveal it to Pastor Rusty, He did. Pastor Rusty then made his recommendation to the Elders that Kyle Henderson be the next lead pastor. This decision was unanimously affirmed by the Elders.

Scriptural Foundation:
“Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you
have chosen.’” - Acts 1:24
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me
Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” - Acts 13:2
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” - Romans 12:5

How will the transition affect the church’s programs and ministries?

One of the blessings of raising up leaders from within is that the DNA and culture of the church are already known and valued by the new leader. Kyle is in his second round of being part of the CTM team. When Kyle left, he and Carla took many of the things they learned at CTM and things they valued about our ministry with them into other contexts where they were catalysts for
change. Kyle came back to CTM after 10 years away in part because of the high regard he has for our vision, culture, and model of ministry. While Kyle will bring fresh ideas and refinements over time, there is no plan for significant changes to CTM’s ministries. Three will obviously be a transition taking place in our youth ministry (The Movement) as Kyle will not be able to lead it in the long term. We do not know exactly what that transition will look like, nor who will take the lead for the The Movement, but we are confident the Lord will provide direction and the right leadership at the right time.

Will there be changes in the church’s direction or focus?

No. CTM’s mission, vision, and DNA remain unchanged. Kyle’s tenure and Pastor Rusty’s continued role as an Elder will ensure that the church stays aligned with the Lord’s direction. The Elders will serve as spiritual "brakes and guardrails" to help keep the church on track with our mission.

How can I stay informed about updates during the transition?

Stay connected through House Church, Ministry Teams, and Worship Encounters. The ministry plan and flow for 2025 is strategically designed to prepare all of our church for this transition together. From sermon series to House Church discussions and ministry events like CTM Revival (March 30–April 1), everything is carefully focused on following the Lord’s plan during this season.

How should I respond if I have questions or concerns about the transition?

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out directly to Pastor Rusty or the CTM Elders. They have spent significant time fasting, praying, and planning for this transition and can provide the most reliable answers and guidance. Be very careful to avoid gossip or negativity, as these can be traps the enemy uses to sow division. Let’s remain unified and focused on God’s
plan.

Scriptural Foundation:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” - Ephesians 4:3

How can the congregation support the transition process?

1. Pray faithfully for Pastor Rusty, Kyle, the executive staff, Elders, and the church.
2. Stay committed to ministry with CTM by attending, serving, and engaging in the life of the church.
3. Tithe and give generously to ensure a strong financial position for the new Lead Pastor to have fully resourced budgets to carry out the vision and mission of CTM.
4. Be positive and encouraging, trusting in the Lord’s plan for this new season.

Will there be opportunities to celebrate Pastor Rusty’s ministry?

Yes! Plans are underway to celebrate Pastor Rusty’s leadership and ministry as the Founding Pastor of CTM. Details will be shared in the coming months.