PASTORS PHILLIP + SUSAN

Pastors Phillip and Susan have been faithfully serving the local church for over 42 years, of which includes 20+ years at the Rock of KC.

In June of 2026, they will complete the transition out of the Senior Pastor roles and into a new role. Although they are “retiring” from the day to day, they both will continue to serve on our team, focusing on local missions, partnerships, pastoral care and more. Though they may be changing the "seat" that they're sitting in, they are remaining on the "bus," continuing to forward the mission of the Rock under the leadership of Pastor Jonathan and Christie.

We are excited and faith-filled as we look ahead! The best is yet to come.

Pastor Jonathan has spent the last 14 years serving in different capacities here at the Rock. His first 7 years were leading our youth ministry, and the past 7 have been serving as our Executive Pastor.

After spending the last 14 years in ministry, Jonathan is stepping in as Lead Pastor at the right time. We believe he is here for such a time as this, and we are excited to see all that God does in the season ahead.

Jonathan will focus on preaching, teaching, leading and building our staff and casting vision. We are so grateful for where God has brought us and are excited to see how and where he is taking us under Pastor Jonathan’s leadership.

PASTOR Jonathan + Christie

HOW CAN YOU BE PRAYING?

We are asking you to faithfully join us as we continue to build a legacy that matters:

pray for the unity of the body
as we move forward.

pray for favor + God's hand to continue leading us as we approach our leadership transition

pray for more leaders + laborers to arise as we seek to REACH MORE PEOPLE.

pray for wisdom as we navigate building expansion:
Middle school/JR high ministry
gymnasium

  • As a part of our church family, your role is so important. Here's how you can help:

    1. PRAY

    Pray for clarity, unity, financial provision, peace, moments of joy and confirmation, and for the leadership of the Holy Spirit every step of the way. Pray for a grace upon Jonathan as he enters this new season, and for Pastors Phillip and Susan as they enter their next season.

    2. BE A BUILDER

    Be an encourager, a speaker of life and a champion of the mission God has called us to. The mission isn't changing - in fact, this transition is at the core OF our values: loving God, loving people and seeing more of our city and world impacted by the love of Jesus.

    3. GET ACTIVATED

    The church continues to fulfill its mission when each member does their part. If the Rock is your home, we're asking you to attend regularly, serve, and give financially. If you're already doing these things, thank you! If you're not, there has never been a better time to start!

    4. INVITE A FRIEND

    A season of change is a great time to invite a friend, neighbor, coworker or classmate to church. Let's see the Kingdom of God continue to advance in our region by reaching new people with the Good News about Jesus.

  • We know that transitioning a church to new leadership is a big deal, which is why we've been working this process for a long time. God began to lead Pastor Phillip in the direction of handing the church off to Jonathan many years ago. In the last couple of years, in step with this process, Jonathan began to take on more teaching and leadership. Jonathan has served as youth pastor for 7 years, and as executive pastor for the last 6 years. Through this season, with much prayer, and with the guidance of and confirmation from our Apostolic Board, it has been confirmed to be the right season for this transition.

  • Pastors Phillip and Susan have been leading faithfully for over 42 years, and have been sensing a shift for some time. In addition to that shift, Pastor Jonathan was feeling a shift as well. It has become more and more evident that Jonathan's teaching and preaching voice is primed for this season and culture. He has a unique ability to relate to young and old with Biblical truths that are both for today and transcend our current cultural moment.

  • We have consulted with a number of people. We have sought counsel from our Apostolic Team, Leading Second Ministries and also a number of pastors who have successfully navigated leadership transitions.

  • The answer is both yes and no. Pastor Phillip is not "retiring" in the traditional sense. If you know him at all, you immediately understand. Rather, he's shifting roles from Lead Pastor to a Founding Pastor role. Upon completing the transition in June, he and Pastor Susan will take a sabbatical to rest and travel. After their sabbatical, they both will continue to serve and participate in our church community. These may include (but are not limited to) pastoral care, missions locally & beyond, and serving as part of our teaching rotation.

  • Pastor Jonathan will be our lead pastor and Christie will be a great complement to him. In terms of formal leadership, Christie will continue to support, serve and participate in various areas of ministry.

  • ou can expect a few things:

    - We will continue gathering to worship Jesus and preach God's word

    - We will continue to love and serve our community through various ministries and partnerships

    - We will continue to build strong kids and student ministries, in efforts to build strong families and remain a place for every generation

    - God will continue to build His Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it

  • Our hope is that we can not only keep our staff, but add staff in order to continue to meet the growing needs of our congregation and community. This won't happen apart from God's faithfulness, and the financial generosity of all those who call the Rock home.

    Jonathan is currently leading our staff, and will continue to do so beyond the leadership transition. Much of the other responsibilities will be distributed to other staff as necessary. As the process moves forward, other hires may be necessary (i.e. executive pastor, etc)

    That being said, we are actively looking to hire a Video Director, Junior High Pastor and also an Associate Pastor(teaching team responsibilities).

    If you're interested, send your resume to: devon@rockofkc.com

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