Transition Leadership

On June 9, our members voted to have our pastor emeritus Tony Miller serve as our interim pastor. Our deacons will search for our new senior pastor and oversee our preaching calendar. Pastor Tom Stuhl will manage day-to-day operations, and Pastor Jeriel Ontoy will lead in planning our worship services.

Our Commitment

During this transition, our theme is moving Forward, in Unity. We trust that our loving God will reveal His man in His time, and we ask each member to commit to fervently praying for God’s will to be done. Until then, we remain committed to fulfilling our mission: Loving God. Loving Each Other. Loving Our World.

“The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”
— Psalm 34:15

Transition Process

The Morningside constitution places the deacons in charge of the pastoral search. The deacons, working together in unity, have selected a 6-part process.

  • Pastoral nominations: we invite anyone to submit nominations for a new pastor. This can be done using forms available in the church lobby and submitting them in the box, or using the online forms below.

  • Church survey: the church is invited to participate in a survey, which will inform both the deacons and pastoral candidates in the process. You can fill out a survey below.

  • Pastoral profile: this document compiles what Morningside is looking for in a new pastor.

  • Church profile: this document provides an overview of Morningside with its complexities — a multigenerational, multicultural church with extensive missions efforts including a mission agency.

  • Two questionnaires: a short questionnaire will be asked of all pastoral candidates. A smaller number of candidates who appear to be good options will then be asked to submit a second, very detailed questionnaire.

  • Pulpit search committee: seven deacons will work through all of the nominated candidates and the process of evaluating them. That committee will bring a short list of candidates to the full group of deacons for selection of a single candidate who will be brought before the church for consideration.

We seek wise decision and commit this process to God for His guidance and leading. Please be in prayer through this time; the eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and God’s ears are open to their cry (Psalm 34:15).

Church Survey Results

Earlier this year, you were invited to participate in a survey designed to inform both the deacons and pastoral candidates in the process of finding a new senior pastor for Morningside. You can view the results of the survey by clicking the link below.

ONLINE FORMS

Pastoral Nomination Form

You can nominate anyone who meets the biblical qualifications for a pastor.

Pastoral Transition Summary

As announced in May, the Board of Trustees at Bob Jones University has appointed our pastor to serve as their 6th president. Pastor Crockett’s last day as our senior pastor was May 24.

Our hearts are heavy knowing that Pastor Crockett will no longer be able to serve us the same way, but we are thrilled for his opportunity and happy he and his family can remain active, serving members.

Our deacons began meeting right away to determine what this transition means for us. Pastor Crockett and deacon chair Rod McCarty addressed our congregation on May 8. Pastor Crockett addressed us again during our worship service on May 12. On May 19 we honored Pastor Crockett and his family for their nearly 9 years of ministry.

Our constitution outlines how pastoral transitions take place. The deacons and pastoral staff will keep our members informed during the process, and our website team will also share more information here once it’s available for the public.

We appreciate your prayers for our deacons and staff as they prepare our church family for this transition. Pastor Crockett, his wife Karie, and his four children would certainly appreciate your prayers too.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES