Is everything okay?

• Yes. Everything is okay. There is no crisis, conflict, or hidden concern driving this season. This step comes from thoughtful long-range planning and a deep desire to steward the future of New Hope with wisdom and care.

Is the church healthy overall, spiritually, financially, and relationally?

• Yes. New Hope is healthy spiritually, financially, and relationally. Our ministries are strong, our leadership is unified, and our church family is engaged. This process reflects strength and foresight, not weakness.

Is Pastor Rusty [and his family] ok? Are we okay as a congregation?

• Yes. Pastor Rusty and his family are ok, and the church is healthy as a congregation. There is no hidden issue or underlying situation driving this conversation.

What does this mean for the future identity of New Hope Church?

• New Hope’s identity remains grounded in its mission, values, and calling. This season is about continuity and faithfulness, not changing who we are or what we believe.

Will the mission, vision, or theological direction of the church change?

• No. Our mission, vision, and theological foundation remain the same.

How should we process emotions like grief, uncertainty, or fear during this season?

• Changes can stir many emotions, including grief, uncertainty, or fear. That is normal and understandable. We are committed to processing this season together as a church family, not in isolation. There will be opportunities for us to come together as we walk forward with patience, trust, and care for one another.

How does the succession process work?

• This is a new process for all of us, and we are approaching it with humility and care. Church leadership has partnered with an experienced outside consultant who has guided many churches through healthy succession. Their expertise helps ensure the process is prayerful, thoughtful, and well-structured. As we gain greater clarity and understanding along the way, we will continue to share that with the church.

How long is this process expected to take?

• Our priority is discernment and health rather than speed, and we are being thoughtful about allowing sufficient time to accomplish our goals with that in mind. We are aiming to accomplish these plans in about 2 years; however, we are aware that trusting God through this is more important than meeting a timeline. (Matthew 6:34)

What milestones should we expect along the way?

• As major steps are identified, they will be shared with the congregation at appropriate times.

How and when will updates be communicated to the church?

• Updates will be shared through our regular church communication channels as information becomes available. In addition, we will maintain a dedicated page on the New Hope website that will serve as a central place for updates, answers to frequently asked questions, and key resources related to the succession process.

Who is responsible for overseeing and guiding succession?

• Church leadership, supported by outside counsel, is guiding the process. Access the New Hope Church leadership and oversight page at nhc.click/leadership.

Is Pastor Rusty being asked to leave?

• No. Pastor Rusty is not being asked to leave. He remains fully engaged and actively serving in his role. This step is not connected to any moral failure, conflict, health issue, or hidden concern. It is a proactive and thoughtful effort to plan well for the long-term future of New Hope and to ensure a healthy future.

How involved is Pastor Rusty in the succession process?

• Pastor Rusty is actively involved in the succession process as part of the church’s leadership team. As both the Senior Pastor and the founding pastor of New Hope, he brings a wealth of experience, discernment, and wisdom to this season. His involvement helps ensure the process is healthy, prayerful, and aligned with what is best for the long-term future of the church.

What safeguards are in place to protect unity and prevent division?

• Clear leadership roles, experienced outside guidance, and prayerful discernment are in place to help protect unity and health throughout this process. We are also committed to being open and transparent as appropriate, communicating clearly, and inviting the church to walk together in trust, prayer, and mutual care as we move forward.

Are church bylaws or leadership policies being reviewed or updated?

• Yes. As part of good stewardship and responsible leadership, church bylaws and policies are being reviewed and clarified as needed to support a healthy, transparent, and well-guided succession. Any updates are focused on alignment, clarity, and long-term health, not on addressing problems.

How will the new senior pastor be identified and vetted?

• Access our bylaws section that governs how this will be conducted at nhc.click/bylaws.

What qualifications are being sought in the next pastor?

• Our leadership team is working on specific qualifications and will communicate them when available. Check out our bylaws, a great resource for current baseline qualifications for the senior pastor position at New Hope Church.

How will theological alignment be ensured?

• Following our Mission, Beliefs, Core Values and Heart Attitudes as outlined in our Constitution will ensure theological alignment fundamental to the mission of New Hope.

What happens if the first candidate is not the right fit? Will there be a trial period or guest teaching phase? Will teaching on Sundays be part of the evaluation process?

• Access our bylaws section that governs how this will be conducted at nhc.click/bylaws.

How much input will partners, volunteers, and attenders have?

• The church family will be invited to participate through prayer, feedback, and engagement at appropriate points in the process. While church leadership is responsible for guiding the process, the voice and care of our church family matters and will be welcomed.

Will partners be asked to vote?

• Yes. For more information, check our bylaws at nhc.click/bylaws.

Will there be opportunities to meet potential candidates?

• Yes. For more information, check our bylaws at nhc.click/bylaws.

Is anyone within the current staff being considered for a different role?

• Staff roles are regularly evaluated as part of healthy leadership and stewardship, but there are no role changes being driven by these plans.

Will ministry programming or worship leadership change?

• No. Ministry programming and worship leadership will continue as normal, as we remain focused on serving the church well.

Will Pastor Rusty continue attending New Hope?

• Future details around Pastor Rusty’s next steps will be shared when he and Becky are ready. At this point, Rusty and Becky have no specific plans for what comes next.

Will he remain available or accessible?

• As part of a healthy succession, appropriate and intentional boundaries will be established to support both Pastor Rusty and future leadership.

Will there be additional costs during succession?

• Church leadership is planning carefully and responsibly to manage resources well during this season. Any costs related to succession are being anticipated with long-term financial health in mind.

What happens if giving fluctuates during this season?

• Leadership is prepared to respond thoughtfully and wisely if giving changes. The church has plans in place to ensure stability and to continue ministry faithfully regardless of short-term fluctuations.

How is the church caring for people emotionally during succession?

• Caring for people is a priority during this season. Pastoral care, prayer, and clear communication will continue, with open lines of communication and intentional opportunities to gather, share, ask questions, and listen as we walk through this transition together as a church family.

How can members ask questions or express concerns safely?

• Members are encouraged to reach out to church leadership through established and trusted channels. We are committed to listening with care, responding thoughtfully, and creating space for honest questions and conversation.

How can we prevent gossip, fear, or division?

• By choosing prayer over speculation, trust over assumptions, and direct communication over rumor, we can prevent gossip, fear, and division. Staying connected, asking questions directly, and caring for one another helps protect unity and health within the church. Allow official church communications to answer questions and give details on these plans.

What is the expected commitment length of the next senior pastor?

• We are seeking a long-term pastoral leader who feels called to invest deeply in the life of New Hope and to shepherd the church faithfully into its next season. The New Hope bylaws also allow for the new pastor to commit to a specific length of service. nhc.click/bylaws

What contingency plans exist if challenges arise?

• Church leadership is committed to wise oversight and has plans in place to respond thoughtfully and prayerfully if challenges arise, ensuring stability, accountability, and care for the church in every season. Contingencies are also covered in our bylaws. nhc.click/bylaws

How can we pray during this process?

• We invite the church to pray consistently throughout this season. Pray for wisdom and discernment for church leadership, unity and peace within our church family, patience and humility as we wait on God’s timing, and trust in God’s guidance as He leads New Hope forward into its next chapter.