CENTRAL BIBLE CHURCH
Lead Pastor Nomination Process
We're excited about this important step in our church's leadership journey. Our current Executive Pastor, Dr. Roger Sappington, has been nominated following a prayerful and unanimous decision by the Nominating Committee. This is the time for us individually to seek the Lord for direction regarding this nomination. Please be in prayer for our church, for God’s leading and for unity as we move forward.
If you have questions or concerns about this process or about the nominiation of
Dr. Roger Sapptington, our Elders would be happy to talk to you.
Please reach out to them directly by email.
ABOUT THE NOMINEE
Dr. Roger Sappington
Dr. Roger Sappington has served faithfully as CBC's Executive Pastor and is well-known to our congregation through his leadership, teaching, and involvement in church life. After weeks of prayer, interviews, and discernment, the Nominating Committee (comprised of the Elder Board and three at-large members) unanimously agreed to nominate him for the Lead Pastor role. Roger has expressed a calling to this position and is eager to share his heart and vision for CBC's future.
Dr. Roger Sappington
Dr. Roger Sappington has served faithfully as CBC's Executive Pastor and is well-known to our congregation through his leadership, teaching, and involvement in church life. After weeks of prayer, interviews, and discernment, the Nominating Committee (comprised of the Elder Board and three at-large members) unanimously agreed to nominate him for the Lead Pastor role. Roger has expressed a calling to this position and is eager to share his heart and vision for CBC's future.
CENTRAL BIBLE CHURCH
Testimonials
LEAD PASTOR NOMINATION PROCESS
Timeline of Key Events
Here's a step-by-step overview of the process, based on our ongoing communications:
Here's a step-by-step overview of the process, based on our ongoing communications:
OCTOBER 21
OCTOBER 21
Email announcement from the Elders and Nominating Committee introducing Dr. Roger Sappington as the nominee for Lead Pastor was sent. This followed 11 weeks of prayer, discussions with key leaders and staff, and consideration of internal vs. external candidates.
Email announcement from the Elders and Nominating Committee introducing Dr. Roger Sappington as the nominee for Lead Pastor was sent. This followed 11 weeks of prayer, discussions with key leaders and staff, and consideration of internal vs. external candidates.
OCTOBER 21-NOVEMBER 3
OCTOBER 21-NOVEMBER 3
Questions for the upcoming Q&A session on November 9 via this online form. Questions will help guide discussions with Roger, the Elders, and the Nominating Committee. The deadline for question submission is November 3.
Questions for the upcoming Q&A session on November 9 via this online form. Questions will help guide discussions with Roger, the Elders, and the Nominating Committee. The deadline for question submission is November 3.
OCTOBER 26 & NOVEMBER 2
OCTOBER 26 & NOVEMBER 2
Members of the Nominating Committee and Elders will visit Community Groups to announce the nomination, provide details, and address initial questions about the nominating process in person.
Members of the Nominating Committee and Elders will visit Community Groups to announce the nomination, provide details, and address initial questions about the nominating process in person.
NOVEMBER 9
NOVEMBER 9
We will host a Q&A session with Dr. Roger Sappington, Elders, and Nominating Committee members during 2nd hour (replacing regular Community Group time). This will be held in the Worship Center. In order to allow the bulk of our Sunday volunteers to attend, Children's Ministry programming will be available for Basix only. Kids are welcome to join you in the Worship Center. This is a great opportunity for them to learn more about the church and what it means to be part of our faith community.
We will host a Q&A session with Dr. Roger Sappington, Elders, and Nominating Committee members during 2nd hour (replacing regular Community Group time). In order to allow the bulk of our Sunday volunteers to attend, Children's Ministry programming available for Basix only.
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 7
A congregational vote for Lead Pastor will take place during our 9:30 am Worship Service. We will hold our Annual Church Business Meeting during the second hour at 10:45 am (a new time for the originally scheduled 5:00 pm evening business meeting). Active CBC members who have reaffirmed membership for 2025 are eligible to vote. Results will be announced during this meeting. In order to allow the bulk of our Sunday volunteers to attend, Children's Ministry programming available for Basix only.
A congregational vote for Lead Pastor will take place during our 9:30 am Worship Service. We will hold our Annual Church Business Meeting during the second hour at 10:45 am (a new time for the originally scheduled 5:00 pm evening business meeting). Active CBC members who have reaffirmed membership for 2025 are eligible to vote. Results will be announced during this meeting. In order to allow the bulk of our Sunday volunteers to attend, Children's Ministry programming will be available for Basix only. Kids are welcome to join us in these services.
WE ENCOURAGE PRAYERFUL REFLECTION THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS AS WE SEEK GOD'S DIRECTION FOR CBC.
WE ENCOURAGE PRAYERFUL REFLECTION THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS AS WE SEEK GOD'S DIRECTION FOR CBC.
LEAD PASTOR NOMINATION PROCESS
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was an internal candidate chosen over an external search?
The Nominating Committee prayerfully considered both options. After individual prayer, outreach to key leaders and staff, and collective discussions, there was clear guidance toward nominating an internal candidate. Dr. Sappington's familiarity with CBC, his expressed calling to lead, and the committee's unanimous vote affirmed this direction.
What was the nomination process like?
Over 11 weeks, the committee engaged in individual and collective prayer, interviews, and voting. They reached 100% agreement to nominate Dr. Sappington, viewing this unanimity as a blessing from the Lord.
How can I share concerns about the nominee?
While the provided information focuses on questions for the Q&A, if you have concerns about Dr. Sappington's qualifications, please contact the Nominating Committee directly via email.
Who is on the Nominating Committee?
The committee includes the Elder Board and three at-large members from the congregation:
Sean Foushee, David Slayton, and Gregg Williams
What happens during the Q&A on November 9?
Dr. Sappington will share his heart and vision for CBC from the stage. Submitted questions will be addressed to make the time efficient and focused. This is open to all, but questions must be submitted by November 3 via this form.
Will the Q&A on November 9 be livestreamed?
No, the Q&A session on November 9 will not be livestreamed. This session is considered "family business" for our Central Bible Church congregation, intended to foster open and candid discussion among our congregation about the Lead Pastor nomination. To respect the sensitive nature of these internal matters and ensure a safe space for questions and dialogue, the session is exclusively for in-person attendance by our church family.
When will the voting for the new lead pastor take place?
Eligible voters will receive ballots and cast their vote at the 9:30 am Worship Service on December 7.
Results will be shared at the 10:45 am Church Business Meeting during second hour that day.
Who can vote on December 7?
Eligible voters are active CBC members who are present for the vote and have reaffirmed their membership for 2025. There will be no absentee voting. Eligible voters will receive ballots and cast their vote at the 9:30 am Worship Service on December 7.
If you have questions regarding the status of your membership, email us here.
Will the December 7 Business Meeting be livestreamed?
No, the December 7 Business Meeting will not be available via livestream. Non-members are welcome to attend the meeting; however, only active present CBC members who have reaffirmed their membership for 2025 will be eligible to vote.
When will voting results be shared?
Results will be announced immediately during the second hour Business Meeting on December 7.
How does this relate to the elder nominations?
Elder nominations (for candidates Russ Crain, Todd Moore, Jon Rhiddlehoover, and Johnathon Valdez) are a separate, but concurrent process. Biographies for elder candidates will be shared weeks before the December 7 meeting, and new elders will be voted on and affirmed at the meeting. If you have concerns about elder nominees, use this form.
Why was an internal candidate chosen over an external search?
The Nominating Committee prayerfully considered both options. After individual prayer, outreach to key leaders and staff, and collective discussions, there was clear guidance toward nominating an internal candidate. Dr. Sappington's familiarity with CBC, his expressed calling to lead, and the committee's unanimous vote affirmed this direction.
What was the nomination process like?
Over 11 weeks, the committee engaged in individual and collective prayer, interviews, and voting. They reached 100% agreement to nominate Dr. Sappington, viewing this unanimity as a blessing from the Lord.
How can I share concerns about the nominee?
While the provided information focuses on questions for the Q&A, if you have concerns about Dr. Sappington's qualifications, please contact the Nominating Committee directly via email.
Who is on the Nominating Committee?
The committee includes the Elder Board and three at-large members from the congregation:
Sean Foushee, David Slayton, and Gregg Williams
What happens during the Q&A on November 9?
Dr. Sappington will share his heart and vision for CBC from the stage. Submitted questions will be addressed to make the time efficient and focused. This is open to all, but questions must be submitted by November 3 via this form.
Will the Q&A on November 9 be livestreamed?
No, the Q&A session on November 9 will not be livestreamed. This session is considered "family business" for our Central Bible Church congregation, intended to foster open and candid discussion among our congregation about the Lead Pastor nomination. To respect the sensitive nature of these internal matters and ensure a safe space for questions and dialogue, the session is exclusively for in-person attendance by our church family.
Who can vote on December 7?
Eligible voters are active CBC members who are present for the vote and have reaffirmed their membership for 2025.
Will the December 7 Business Meeting be livestreamed?
No, the December 7 Business Meeting will not be available via livestream. Non-members are welcome to attend the meeting; however, only active present CBC members who have reaffirmed their membership for 2025 will be eligible to vote.
When will voting results be shared?
Results will be announced immediately during the second hour Business Meeting on December 7.
How does this relate to the elder nominations?
Elder nominations (for candidates Russ Crain, Todd Moore, Jon Rhiddlehoover, and Johnathon Valdez) are a separate, but concurrent process. Biographies for elder candidates will be shared weeks before the December 7 meeting, and new elders will be voted on and affirmed at the meeting. If you have concerns about elder nominees, use this form.
ELDER CANDIDATE INFORMATION COMING SOON