JANUARY 2027
We're excited to share an important leadership transition that has been years in the making. Beginning in January 2027, Pastor Mark will move into a Founding Pastor role, and Pastor Steve will take on the Lead Pastor role. Mark isn't going anywhere—he'll continue preaching, investing in leaders, and serving our church family. Take fifteen minutes and watch the conversation below to hear directly from Mark and Steve about what's changing, why now, and what it means for The Vineyard.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Beginning January 1, 2027, Pastor Mark steps into a Founding Pastor role and Pastor Steve Huffman becomes our Lead Pastor. It's a gradual handoff we've been walking out for years and shouldn’t feel like a sudden switch. There's no crisis going on behind the scenes. This is a healthy step. The kind of plan you make because things are going well and you want to keep them that way for the long term.
Two reasons. First, healthy churches plan ahead. As Pastor Mark puts it, "You can't get to the next 50 years without getting through the next 15." Starting now lets us move slowly and thoughtfully instead of scrambling later. Second, Steve is gifted to lead, and we've seen it up close for over a decade. Making more room for that now is the wise thing to do.
For most of us, not really. The biggest changes are behind the scenes — who oversees what, who's in which meeting. Pastor Mark estimates about 90% of what he does stays the same for now. You'll walk into the same community, the same heart, the same pursuit of Jesus.
Although "Founding Pastor" describes who Mark is and always will be. There's no fixed playbook for the official role of “Founding Pastor,” so Mark and Steve get to shape what that looks like. What’s important is Pastor Mark still has energy, wisdom, and a lot to give, and we’re excited that will remain at Vineyard. So instead of a "thanks and goodbye," he stays in the work of teaching, leading, and partnering with Steve. It's not stepping down, but rather shifting where he invests at Vineyard.
Steve currently carries a lot, especially on the operational side — budgets, staff, the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a church running. We're still working out the details, and we're not rushing it. Two things are already true: much of that work is carried by a team, not one person, and we're continually praying for who God may raise up among us to step into some of those responsibilities.
It's a pattern we see throughout Scripture. Moses handed off to Joshua. Paul poured into Timothy. John the Baptist said of Jesus, "He must become more; I must become less." Passing the baton well, while still cheering each other on, is part of how God's family has always worked.
Please ask and get a real answer. Give the church office a call at 574-257-1924, or email Pastor Mark or Pastor Steve directly.