The Transition

Why is LakeRidge going through a pastoral transition?
After more than 10 years as Lead Pastor of LakeRidge, Rev. Dr. Lyndol Loyd has been elected Bishop of Area 4 of the Global Methodist Church.

When is Pastor Lyndol’s final Sunday?
Pastor Lyndol’s final Sunday will be October 25. LakeRidge will have one combined worship service at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

When will he officially begin serving as bishop?
His new role begins November 1.

Will Bishop Loyd continue to be involved in leading LakeRidge?
He has emphasized the importance of allowing the new Lead Pastor to lead without interference. He has encouraged the congregation to love, pray for, and welcome the new pastor and their family.
 
The Pastoral Search Process

Who is responsible for selecting the next Lead Pastor?
Under the Global Methodist Church, the local church and its Personnel Committee lead the search process.

Who is assisting the Personnel Committee?
Presiding Elder Les Hall and Conference Superintendent Rick Enns are guiding and supporting the committee throughout the process.

What role does the conference play?
The conference serves much like a matchmaker. Conference leaders will research, interview, and evaluate applicants before presenting the strongest candidates to the Personnel Committee. The final appointment must be approved by the conference staff and bishop.

Will LakeRidge hire an outside search consultant?
No. The Personnel Committee believes the church and conference have the leadership, experience, and connections needed to conduct the search effectively.

What qualifications must candidates have?
Candidates must be ordained elders in the Global Methodist Church.
What information must candidates submit?
Each candidate must provide:
1.Biographical information
2.A résumé
3.A description of their ministry style, including leadership approach, spiritual gifts, personality, and understanding of local church ministry

Where will the position be posted?
The opening is currently posted on the West Plains Conference website at westplainsgmc.org under Resources -> Job & Appointment Openings.

How long will the search take?
A pastoral search typically takes three to six months, although it could take longer. The committee is committed to being thorough and finding the right person rather than rushing the process.

What factors will be considered when evaluating candidates?
The committee will consider leadership experience, spiritual gifts, ministry style, theology, personality, and overall fit with LakeRidge. The candidate and their family must also determine whether LakeRidge and the Lubbock community are the right fit for them.

Who makes the final decision?
The Personnel Committee will select the candidate with guidance from conference leadership. The appointment must then be formally approved by conference staff and bishop.
 
Congregational Input

Will the congregation have a voice in the process?
Yes. A congregation-wide survey will gather input about the qualities and characteristics members believe are important in LakeRidge’s next Lead Pastor.

Can church members recommend a candidate?
Yes. Members may recommend someone they know or have heard preach. Please provide the person’s contact information to a member of the Personnel Committee. The best way to reach the Personnel Committee is through the church's administrative assistant, Lori Smith, 806-794-4017 ext. 513 or lsmith@LakeRidgeGMC.org.

What happens after a name is submitted?
The committee chair will forward the name to Rick Enns and Les Hall, who will make the initial contact.

Will the names of candidates be shared?
No. Candidate names, applications, and interview details will remain confidential to protect everyone involved in the process.

Where should questions, concerns, or suggestions be directed?
All correspondence regarding the pastoral search should be directed to a member of the Personnel Committee.
 
Advisory Groups

Are other church members helping with the transition?
Yes. The Personnel Committee, Church Council, Legacy Leaders Team, Transition Team, and Prayer Team are working alongside West Plains Conference Superintendent Rick Enns and West District Presiding Elder Les Hall throughout the transition and pastoral search process.

What is the Legacy Leaders group?
Legacy Leaders includes people who have served in leadership positions at LakeRidge through the years. They will help represent the church’s history and participate in the candidate interview process.

What is the Transition Team?
The Transition Team will provide input to the Personnel Committee, help LakeRidge celebrate and say goodbye to Lyndol and Joni, and prepare to welcome the new Lead Pastor and their family.

How were these groups selected?
Members were intentionally selected to represent a broad range of ages, demographics, and Sunday school classes.
 
Interim Leadership and Preaching

Who will lead LakeRidge after Pastor Lyndol leaves?
LakeRidge’s current pastors, staff, and ministry leaders will continue serving the church. The Personnel Committee and conference leadership will provide additional guidance throughout the transition.

Who will preach during the transition?
Pastor Brian Brownlow will carry much of the preaching responsibility, with help from other staff members, including Cole Davis and Bryan Burk.

What will the sermon schedule include?
Messages in November will focus on the Global Methodist Church, the Wesleyan tradition, and Methodist distinctives. An Advent series will follow as Christmas approaches. The preaching schedule will be evaluated again in January.

Is Pastor Brian a candidate for Lead Pastor?
No. Pastor Brian has said he is not seeking the Lead Pastor position. He will step away from the selection process except when consultation is needed and will fully support the person chosen.

Will LakeRidge continue its regular ministries during the search?
Yes. LakeRidge is strong. Our mission has not changed. Our ministries will continue. Our staff and pastors will continue to serve.  The church’s primary focus remains connecting generations with Jesus and making disciples.
 
Additional Questions

How can the congregation support the search?
Pray for the Personnel Committee, church leadership, the candidates, and the person God is preparing to become LakeRidge’s next Lead Pastor. Members are also encouraged to participate in the congregational survey and remain engaged throughout the transition.

How will the church communicate updates?
LakeRidge is committed to clear, consistent, and transparent communication. Updates will be shared through the church’s website, emails, bulletins, social media, and other regular communication channels.