Senior Pastor Succession Updates

A New Chapter for Riverside Church 
          Embracing God’s Plan for Our Future - by: Brad Long, Search Team Chair

A Season of Transition

After 22 years of faithful leadership, our treasured Senior Pastor, Tom Lundeen, has prayerfully decided to transition from his role as Senior Pastor, effective in the summer of 2026. This decision comes as a natural and positive step in his remarkable season of life and ministry. Since joining Riverside Church in 2003, Pastor Tom has led with vision, dedication, and a heart for Jesus, guiding our church through incredible growth and transformation. His leadership has been a profound blessing, and we celebrate his legacy as we look forward to God’s continued work in the communities we serve.

Pastor Tom’s decision reflects his deep commitment to ensuring Riverside Church thrives under new leadership.  After a robust study of pastoral succession by the Elders and Pastor Tom, and seeking God’s guidance, the Elder Board believes now is the right time to pass the baton to a new Senior Pastor who can envision and lead Riverside into the next season of ministry.  This transition is not an end but a beautiful continuation of God’s plan for our church.

Confident in God’s Provision

We are confident that God, Who has faithfully guided Riverside Church for decades, has already prepared the next Senior Pastor to lead us forward.  The Elder Board, in partnership with N.L. Moore & Associates, a trusted consulting group specializing in pastoral transitions, is diligently working on a thoughtful and prayerful process to identify the right leader, ensuring an objective and Spirit-led selection.

As a congregation, we trust in God's perfect timing and provision.  The Elders, who are authorized by our Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA) Constitution to call the next Senior Pastor, are committed to seeking the Lord’s direction every step of the way.  We are excited about the future and believe that God will bring a leader who will continue to advance His mission at Riverside.

Your Role: Participate in Prayer

This transition is a spiritual journey for our entire Riverside family, and your prayers are vital. We invite you to join us in praying for wisdom, unity, and clarity as we seek God’s will for our next Senior Pastor.  Pray for Pastor Tom and Gwen as they discern their next steps, for the Elder Board as they lead this process, and for the future leader God is preparing for us. In the meantime, Pastor Tom will continue to serve faithfully, preaching God’s Word and leading us with the same passion and commitment.  Let’s unite in prayer and support to make this transition a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Looking Ahead

We will regularly inform you as we make our way through this transition process by posting updates here with important milestones. Thank you for being part of Riverside Church. Together, let’s seek God’s guidance and celebrate the exciting future He has in store for us!

Pastor tom's letter     church survey executive summary

    Senior Pastor Opportunity Snapshot

    Senior Pastor Opportunity Profile

Ways to Pray for the Search

One of the most important ways we can all engage in this process is by covering it in prayer, confident in His timing God will bring the next Senior Pastor to Riverside.  Pray:

  • For us to look to Jesus and focus on the certainty of Scripture for security in the midst of any feelings of uncertainty
  • That we would all fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith
  • That God's perfect love would cast out all fear from the transition and the process
  • That we would trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not rely on our human experience or understanding, but that we would consistently acknowledge Him and trust Him to lead us in the way we should go

Additional ways we can all pray more specifically for:

congregation

*That we would demonstrate love for each other
*A spirit of peace, cooperation and patience in the midst of the process
*Understanding and love for leaders and staff
*A positive, hopeful and encouraging attitude
*Grace for the imperfections of the process
*To continually seek God's wisdom, blessing and direction for the future of the church
*For spiritual protection
*Unity for congregation, including staff and Elders during the coming months
*Growth in trust, confidence and unity with the congregation, staff and leadership
*To trust the Elders and God's wisdom to empower their leadership
*Personal openness to a new leader
*A fresh perspective on church ministries and a refreshed vision for the future of the church
*Slow to speak in times of frustration
*To release selfish desires and to cooperatively submit to God's purposes
*Openness to support and care for staff and Elders during the transition
*To maintain a prayerful, expectant and Christ-centered heart
*To listen to others
*Release of outcomes to God
*Financial stability and blessing for the church
*For physical, spiritual and emotional health during this transition

church staff

*Growth in trust, confidence and unity with the staff team
*Love for the church and the people
*Physical, spiritual and emotional health and protection during the transition
*Positive communication, relationship and support between Staff, Elders and our congregation
*Strength, perseverence, encouragement and energy
*Slow to speak in times of frustration
*Grace for the imperfections of the process
*Personal openness to a the new leader
*A heart that is willing to embrace a new perspective and fresh vision
*To serve as unto the Lord
*Understanding and encouragement in the face of workplace challenges
*Rest and rejuvenation in the midst of added responsibilities and stress
*Release of the outcomes to God
*To engage fully in the work of this ministry
*For peace and understanding when confronted by individuals who may be feeling unsettled by the change
*To ask for help when needed and an increase in mutual support and encouragement within the team

elder board

*For the wisdom to seek God every step of the way
*For love for each other and the church
*Clarity and confidence in God's leading
*Mutual respect, support and positive communication
*For transparent, inclusive decision-making
*Slow to speak in times of frustration
*Improved communication among staff and throughout the congregation
*Clear direction for the future
*Openness, availability and transparency with people
*Strength, energy and encouragement
*To serve as unto the Lord
*Unity and reliance on God's Word
*That we would remain prayerful and submissive to God's leading in decision-making
*Wisdom to hear and obey God's voice
*For individual spiritual care - taking time to care for our personal spiritual growth in the midst of busy lives
*For the Elders to hold onto the hope and faith that God is moving and will provide the pastor the church needs
*Wisdom and discernment as decisions are made that impact the congregation and the community around it, as well as in the call of the new pastor

next pastor God will bring to rc

*That God would go ahead of us in the process to make the path clear to our next called pastor
*That God would stir his heart and mind to respond to the opportunity when contacted
*That God would be at work even now preparing him to lead our congregation
*That God would make the decision clear
*That he would walk in obedience and faithfulness to God's leading
*That his family would be willing and prepared to move to our community
*That God would help the family agree with and coorperate with the call to this ministry
*That his current congregation would willingly send them
*That his family would fall in love with our people and this church
*That his call to this church would be confirmed
*That his home would sell and the details of relocation would come together seamlessly
*For an open heart, mind, eyes and ears to see and hear God's call
*For a wise and discerning heart and clear, uncluttered thinking
*For encouragement, support and affirmation
*For a prayerful and humble outlook regarding the opportunity to lead our church
*Physical, emotional and spiritual health for him and his family
*New friends for his children and spouse
*Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading

search consulting team

*That God will inspire and direct the formation of the Candidate Profile
*That the Holy Spirit will guide the process
*For wisdom each day
*Trust that God will superintend each step in the process
*Guidance for the right conversations on behalf of Riverside
*That God would make His choice apparent to all, including the candidate
*Prayer for faith - growing, vibrant, God-pleasing faith