Prominent US pastor and author Chuck Swindoll will soon step down as senior pastor of his church.
Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas has announced that the 89-year-old will transition into the role of founding pastor on 1st May. Dr Jonathan Murphy will be his replacement.
In his new capacity, Swindoll will continue to deliver sermons and preach on Sundays. Meanwhile, Dr Murphy will oversee the day-to-day ministries of the church and step in at the pulpit as needed.
This transition also includes a mentorship aspect, with Swindoll, who’s been pastor since 1998, providing guidance and advice to his successor. Looking ahead, Dr Murphy is expected to eventually take on primary pulpit duties.
The elders of the church said in a statement: “We believe the Lord has gone before us in this decision from the beginning. Two years ago, as some of us elders gathered to pray, we talked about considering Jonathan as a candidate for the future role of Senior Pastor.
“When we approached Pastor Chuck with the idea at that time, we were happy to find out that he had already been mentoring Jonathan for the past several years, and he excitedly agreed that Jonathan would be a great fit for the position.
“We then extended a letter of intent to Jonathan, and he gladly set his expectations to become our Senior Pastor in the future. In March of 2024, after prayerful consideration, Pastor Chuck and the entire elder team unanimously decided that now is the time for Jonathan to step into his new role.”
In a conversation about the church’s transition, Dr Murphy, a Northern Ireland native told Pastor Swindoll: “It's a perfect little season where we can work together with sort of separate responsibilities, but because of our relationship, be able to do it without competition or without frustration. It's just natural. I don't know if I could do it with somebody else… it's beautiful.”
Pastor Swindoll agreed saying: “It's very rare. I’m glad you mentioned that matter of competition. I've never once felt that. We're in the same family. We're working on the same team. We're serving the same Lord. We've got the same ideals and goals in mind. Our purpose is to glorify our God, I feel the freedom to be me. I hope help you feel full freedom to be you. And that works its way toward the most natural and truly spiritual future and health for the church.”
Pastor Swindoll’s, world-wide Bible-teaching ministry, Insight for Living, airs on Premier Christian Radio every Monday to Friday at 6:30am.
