A New Chapter for Riverside Church
Embracing God’s Plan for Our Future - by: Brad Long, Search Team Chair
Continuing the Journey (November 2025)
As we shared in our first update, Riverside Church is in a special season of transition as we seek the next Senior Pastor who will lead us into the future God has prepared. Over the past several months, the Elders and our partners at NL Moore & Associates have completed foundational work that set the stage for the active search phase now underway.
With the approved Candidate & Opportunity Profiles in place, NL Moore is now conducting a nationwide search for candidates. They are reaching out through their extensive ministry networks, prayerfully identifying and assessing pastors who may be a strong fit for Riverside’s unique calling and culture. We are deeply encouraged by the careful and Spirit-led approach guiding every step of this journey.
What’s Next
In early January, NL Moore will present a pool of qualified candidates to our Search Team. From there, we will begin first-round video interviews, designed to help us get to know the candidates and sense potential alignment with Riverside’s mission, values, and ministry context.
Following the video interviews, we anticipate on-site interviews with up to three candidates. These visits will allow for in-person conversations with Elders, staff, and select ministry leaders. After prayerful discernment, one or two finalists may be invited back for a finalist site visit and ultimately a candidating weekend, where the congregation will have the opportunity to meet the candidate and hear them preach.
Throughout this process, our goal remains the same: to discern, with clarity and unity, the individual God is calling to lead Riverside Church into its next season of ministry.
How You Can Be Involved
Your prayers continue to be the most important part of this process. Please pray:
- That God would clearly guide the search firm and the candidates they contact.
- For wisdom and unity for our Search Team and Elders as they begin interviews in the new year.
- For the pastors being considered, that they would be sensitive to God’s leading and at peace about their place in His plan.
- For our staff and congregation to continue walking in faith and trust through this transition.
We are grateful for your encouragement, patience, and prayer as we follow God’s leading step by step. The same God who has faithfully shepherded Riverside through every season will continue to provide everything we need in a new leader.
We look forward to sharing another update with you in early 2026 as the interview process unfolds.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
Previous Update - August 2025
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!
