A message from Tim
Dear Church family and friends,
Julie and I want to share something personal with you about the next season of our lives.
After years of thinking, praying, listening, and seeking wise counsel, Julie and I have discerned that my time in leadership with firstChristian is coming to a close.
Our plan is for me to step down as Lead Minister in early summer of 2027.
I believe God is telling me to let go of what we have, something we love, in order to receive what he has for us in our next season of life.
We believe that God is leading me away from a lead minister role and toward opportunities to invest in the next generation of church leaders, serving the greater church beyond the walls of firstChristian.
After almost 25 years here, we want you to know how deeply grateful we are. firstChristian has been an incredible part of our lives, and I am deeply grateful that God allowed me to serve with you for these years. We don’t plan on leaving Norfolk and look forward to deepening our friends and family in the church and community.
We are not done yet. Over the coming months, I look forward to continuing to serve firstChristian and helping us to be primed and ready for our next lead minister. There is still much God is doing here now, and we look forward to what God will do next.
Just as I believe God is leading us— I believe He is also leading firstChristian. The same God who has faithfully led firstChristian since 1894 through its many transitions is still faithfully leading firstChristian to a future of even greater impact on lives for eternity.
I have full confidence in our ministry staff, our Elders, and others who lead and serve as part of the firstChristian family, and especially in God’s faithfulness.
I don't know exactly what it all looks like yet. But I am learning again that faith means trusting God with what we cannot yet see. So, I'm asking you to pray—for Julie and me, for our staff, for our Elders, and for firstChristian. And join all of us in praying that God will lead firstChristian to the right person at the right time for this next season.
Onward and Upward,
Tim DeFor
Watch the sunday announcement
A message from The Elders
On behalf of the elders, I want to convey our deep gratitude to Tim and Julie for their years of service and devotion to First Christian Church. This was a decision that they didn't make lightly, one that involved months of prayer and discussion.
As lead minister, Tim has walked alongside us here at First Christian Church. He has poured his heart, wisdom and soul into discerning God’s vision for our church family. Tim has been a friend, mentor and leader to many in the church, including myself.
But leadership is not a solo journey, and Tim’s impact extends to the incredible staff he has helped lead and nurture, a staff with nearly 100 years of combined experience. Tim helped build a team culture focused on making disciples and serving the Norfolk community.
And behind every great minister is a family that sacrifices time, shares the burdens and extends love. We want to say a massive thank you to Tim’s wife, Julie, and their family. Thank you for sharing Tim with us all these years, and for being such a vital part of our church family.
So what's next?
As God leads Tim and Julie to a new season in ministry, we are grateful for an extended amount of time to find our next lead minister, someone who will help First Christian Church embark on a new season as well.
The elders have been praying for what and who comes next. Our task in the coming months will be identifying and interviewing potential candidates to help build on what we have: A healthy, thriving church.
We'll keep you informed throughout the process, and we know you may have further questions. We encourage you to share your thoughts with Tim, Randall or the elders.
What can you do?
In 2 Thessalonians 1:11, Paul writes: "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith."
To the congregation of First Christian, we call on you to similarly pray for the elders, the staff, the church and the search for our next lead minister. Pray for wisdom, unity and clarity. Let’s carry forward the mission of this church and continue to support and love one another.
Gratefully,
Tim Pearson
Chairman of the Elders
