Lead Pastor, Organizational Strategy (Senior Leader)
About Preston Trail
At Preston Trail, we are a mission-driven church. That means everything we do flows out of our mission, helping people find and follow Jesus Christ.
Who We Are Praying For
We are seeking someone who brings strategic vision, a future focus, a pastor’s heart, and strong teaching and communication gifts, who will help guide our church into its next chapter of mission and impact alongside Alison Leamon.
Succession Timeline
- Phase I: Prayer & Preparation (Summer 2025 - Spring 2026)
- Phase II: Search & Selection (Summer 2026 - Early Spring 2027)
- Phase III: Welcome & Assimilation (Spring - Fall 2027)
- Phase IV: Leadership Transition (Late 2027)
Succession Timeline
We’re prayerfully discerning God’s timing and direction throughout the search process. We anticipate four key phases in this season:
- Phase I: Prayer & Preparation (Summer 2025 - Spring 2026)
- Phase II: Search & Selection (Summer 2026 - Early Spring 2027)
- Phase III: Welcome & Assimilation (Spring - Fall 2027)
- Phase IV: Leadership Transition (Late 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why succession and why now?
- Why continue a dual leadership model consisting of two lead pastors?
- Has God provided someone on our current staff to fill one of these roles?
- How will their distinct roles guide the church?
- How will accountability and healthy leadership dynamics be maintained within a male/female co-leadership model?
- What resources can help me learn more about Preston Trail’s position on women in pastoral leadership?
- What will Jim & Paul’s roles be post-transition?
- Who will be involved in the decision-making process?
- I’ve submitted an application, now what?
- If I have questions, whom can I contact?
Job Descriptions
Find our job descriptions here.
What will Jim & Paul’s roles be post-transition?
Jim and Paul will step into whatever ministry roles God may have for them, fully entrusting the leadership of our church to the new lead pastors. Although they will step off the Elder team, they and their families will remain part of the Preston Trail community.
Who will be involved in the decision-making process?
This process will be guided by a search team made up of our Elder team, current Senior Pastors Jim Johnson and Paul Basden, our Executive Pastors Sarah Davidson and Kendra Trautman, and Alison Leamon in her role as future lead pastor.
I’ve submitted an application, now what?
If we decide to move forward, you’ll receive an email from us to schedule an initial video call, complete our long-form application, or both.
If I have questions, whom can I contact?
We'd be happy to connect with you for further discussion. Please email us at pastorsearch@prestontrail.org.