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Senior Pastor Transition

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Congregational Survey: September 3-15

On Sunday, August 24, our congregation voted to empower a senior pastor search committee. Now we enter the assessment and discernment phase of the process. Your response to a brief four-question survey will help provide a snapshot of Ward Church as we prepare for pastoral transition. Your confidential opinions and perspective will help guide the work and create topics for exploration for creating the position description and identifying the characteristics needed in our next pastor. The survey is for anybody who considers Ward Church their home church. Membership is not required.
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Senior Pastor Search Committee

The Ward Church Session welcomed suggestions for Senior Pastor Search Committee members from the congregation through August 3. Thank you for your participation!

Below are the seven members that Session selected and were confirmed by a vote of the congregation.

Steve McKinnie

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Sara Joyce

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Troy Morris

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Rick Martin

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John Nowacki

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Mary Watson

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Anita Cubalo

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FAQ's

Scott announced in June that, due to the uncertainty of his health, he will be stepping down from the senior pastor role in one year. At that time, he will assume a role as an Assistant Pastor on the Ward Church staff. You may view the video announcement elsewhere on this page.

Session nominates and recommends members of the search committee to the congregation (Book of Order G-10.4a). The congregation must approve the nominees at a duly called congregational meeting. Ultimately, the congregation decides the size and membership of the search committee.

Search committee members must be active members of Ward Church. The EPC Procedure Manual for Candidate Committees includes recommendations and best practices. In addition to ruling elders from Session, the search committee should include:

Three or four spiritually mature, discerning members of the congregation, who are not new to the church. These qualities are more important than electing people to represent various constituencies or interest groups in the congregation. Search Committee members are to represent the mind of Christ on the Search Committee (EPC Procedure Manual).

The EPC Procedure Manual recommends that seven members is optimal for a search committee.

Session deliberately and prayerfully considered the qualities required for members of the senior pastor search committee. During the two-week open window for submissions of recommendations by the congregation, Session received over 100 names for potential committee members. The candidates were vetted for membership status, church engagement and service, complementing gifts, broad representation of the congregation, and church leadership experience. While many of the suggested people were qualified, Session chose seven members to recommend to the congregation.

Yes, but in our denomination, succession is never assumed. Denominational bylaws require that a search committee be formed and that a thoughtful and thorough process be used. Existing staff may apply for the senior pastor position. Internal candidates will be interviewed first before opening the search to external candidates.

You may direct questions and comments directly to the Senior Pastor Search Committee Chair at search.chair@ward.church.

Timeline

Phase 1

Senior Pastor Search Committee Selected

Time required

Two Months (July and August 2025)
Congregational meeting called for Sunday, August 24
Meeting Agenda

Phase 1 Milestones

  • SPSC Slate nominated by Session
  • Congregational Meeting
  • SPSC Elected
The special meeting of the congregation took place on Sunday August 24 for the purpose of electing a senior pastor search committee. All the motions passed as presented by an overwhelming majority. Thank you for your prayers and participation.
Phase 2

Assessment and Discernment

Time required

Three or Four Months (September – December 2025)

Phase 2 Milestones

*Meet with various members and groups for insight
Phase 3

Vetting of Internal Candidates

Time required

Two Months (January, February 2026)

Phase 3 Milestones

  • Interview any internal candidates
  • Check references
  • Presbytery approval
Phase 4

Vetting of External Candidates (if needed)

Time required

Six to Twelve Months

Phase 4 Milestones

  • National search
  • Candidate interviews
  • Final candidate interviews
  • Onsite visits
Phase 5

Examination and Presbytery Approval

Time required

 One Month (Based on Presbytery meeting schedule)

Phase 5 Milestones

  • Candidate background checks
  • Presbytery examination and approval
  • Terms of Call
Phase 6

Congregational Meeting and Vote

Time required

Two Weeks

Phase 6 Milestones

  • Congregational meeting
  • Vote
  • Installation

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Northville

40000 Six Mile Rd
Northville, MI 48168

Phone: 248-374-7400
Fax: 248-374-3322

SUNDAY SERVICES
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Contemporary: 10:30 a.m.

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27996 Halsted Rd
Farmington Hills, MI 48331

Phone: 248-482-7500

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John Nowacki

  1. How long have you been at Ward?
    My wife Carol and I have been Ward members since 1987. Since that time, I have been involved in numerous ministries and leadership roles at Ward.

  2. What leadership and volunteer roles have you had at Ward?
    We both were involved in Student Ministries. I was elected as Elder and served on the worship committee and on the interiors committee during construction of the Northville campus. I have served on Session and in the roles of Assistant Clerk and Clerk, and on search committees for Contemporary Worship Director and Assistant Pastor. I most recently served the past three years as a Trustee, working on the facilities team.

    Starting in 2012, I was employed as the Director of Campus Services at Ward, with responsibilities for all aspects of services necessary to support ministry activity, management of facilities, building services & maintenance, grounds development, food services and security. I led the major facility updates in 2015 that included the new canopy entrance, ReNu coffee, playscape and general interior upgrades, as well as the construction of the Willow Pines residences. Most recently I served as the Ward owner’s rep for the development of the new pickleball facility.

  3. Tell us about your career and life outside of Ward?
    Prior to my time at Ward, I worked in corporate roles at DTE Energy, including Manager of Facility Design & Construction; Senior Associate at Harley Ellis Devereaux, Architects and in the Office of Planning & Budgets at Michigan State University.

    Following my full retirement from Ward in 2022, I have enjoyed the additional free time to devote to family, especially our 4 grandchildren, as well as exercise, travel and tasks around the house. I also currently serve as the President of Country Club Village II of Northville Association Board of Directors.

  4. Why do you feel led to serve on the Senior Pastor Search Committee?
    I have a passion and love for Ward and as an architect, a desire that our facilities and campus be used to bless our community in so many ways. As a staff member for ten years, I had the opportunity to work with Scott and the Ward team, giving me great insight into the importance of the Senior Pastor, ministries of Ward and the importance of their community impact.

    I look forward with hope and much prayer for these next steps on the part of the search committee and our Lord’s direction and guidance for our next Senior Pastor.

Anita Cubalo

  1. How long have you been at Ward?
    I have attended Ward Church since 1991 when I moved to Livonia. I have been a member since 1995.

  2. What leadership and volunteer roles have you had at Ward?
    While I have been at Ward, I have had the opportunity to volunteer in many different areas,  as a teacher with WardKids in preschool Sunday School, VBS and KidsKamp, as well as participated in several mission trips.  I am a co-leader for our small group.

  3. Tell us about your career and life outside of Ward.
    I grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ as an adolescent. Since then, my faith has deepened and matured through daily Bible reading, devotionals and small group studies. While my children were growing up, I was fortunate to be a stay at home mom. While they were in school, I volunteered at their schools as a helper for their teachers as well as with the PTA. I have also held administrative assistant positions with different companies. Currently, I care for my granddaughters.

  4. Why do you feel led to serve on the Senior Pastor Search Committee?
    I feel led to serve on the Senior Pastor Search Committee to help find the next leader of Ward who will continue to preach the gospel of Jesus faithfully and lead our church well.

Rick Martin

  1. How long have you been at Ward?
    Having first attended Ward Church in 1977, our church has become very close to my heart having accepted Jesus as my Savior & Lord here forty-one years ago. I am so blessed to be part of a congregation that values highly the first work of the Church, fleshed out through our mission of ‘Leading generations to live and love like Jesus’. It is exciting to be part of this spiritually fruitful and fantastic season we are in, where people are being transformed by the love and message of Jesus!

  2. What leadership and volunteer roles have you had at Ward?
    I’ve had many leadership and volunteer roles at Ward over the decades taking part in several pastoral searches, Deacon ministry leadership, Teaching and leading adult classes and small groups, serving on our EPC Midwest Presbytery committees, recently completing this past June my sixth term as a ruling elder on Session. In addition, I served as one of the organizing elders for the Ward Church Farmington Hills adoption and multisite where I currently serve and take part in the outreach ministry there. Over the last decade I have been team leader for our Ward New Member Class.

  3. Tell us about your career and life outside of Ward?
    I’ve been married to my life’s love Linda for 45 years. She is my largest blessing, first inviting me to Ward and introducing me Jesus. We raised our three daughters here, who are now actively involved with their families in their own churches. Being a father of all girls, I am now really enjoying being ‘granddad’ to our four grandsons!

    For 40 years I’ve been an ASE master mechanic for medium / heavy trucks and school buses. Retiring in 2024 as fleet garage supervisor for Livonia Public Schools Transportation Dept. after 38 years of service to the community. Transitioning this large fleet from old polluting diesel burning vehicles to environmentally clean burning diesel, and propane powered trucks and buses.

  4. Why do you feel led to serve on the Senior Pastor Search Committee?
    My passion is to see that our mission of ‘Leading generations to live and love like Jesus’ continues to the next generation and the generations to come. I believe God is calling me to this service to seek out the next Sr. Pastor who will lead and equip particularly the Gen Z and Alpha generations, in a vibrant, joyous, and contagious walk with our Lord Jesus.

Sara Joyce

  1. How long have you been at Ward?
    My name is Sara Joyce, and for the past nine years Ward Church has truly been our family’s “home away from home.” Robert—my husband of 14 years—and I moved from Texas to Michigan shortly after we were married, and it was the Homebuilders class in 2016 that first knit us into the life of this congregation. We now have three wonderful children—Caroline (8), Mark (5), and Michael (3)—who are growing up in Ward’s hallways, surrounded by people who continually point them to Jesus.

  2. What leadership and volunteer roles have you had at Ward?
    Serving at Ward brings me deep joy. I lead a third-grade WardKids small group every Sunday and have spent the last eight years teaching in both the large-group and small-group settings of our children’s ministry. This past summer, I had the privilege of counseling at WardKids Camp, where I witnessed God’s Spirit stirring the hearts of the next generation in powerful ways. Beyond children’s ministry, I have participated in Community Bible Class, MomCo, and Simple Serve projects, and I am currently serving our congregation as a member of Session.

  3. Tell us about your career and life outside of Ward?
    Outside the walls of Ward, I pour most of my energy into raising our kids and staying active in their schools and extracurricular activities. Before stepping away to be a full-time mom, I spent 11 years in public education as a second-grade teacher, an elementary principal, and a Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

  4. Why do you feel led to serve on the Senior Pastor Search Committee?
    I am convinced that God is already preparing the shepherd who will lead Ward into its next season, and I feel led to help discern that individual—someone who will faithfully proclaim biblical truth across generations and continuously challenge us to become more like Christ.

Steve McKinnie

  1. How long have you been at Ward?
    Steve McKinnie has been attending Ward Church with his wife, Jeanette, since 2003. They have two children, Carolyn and Brendan, who will both be in high school this fall.

  2. What leadership and volunteer roles have you had at Ward?
    Over the years, Steve has had the privilege of serving Ward as an elder and small group leader. He has also been a longtime volunteer with the Student Ministry team and has been blessed to get to know many Ward Church teenagers during that time.

  3. Tell us about your career and life outside of Ward?
    Outside of church, Steve works as an electrical engineer at General Motors. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him with a good book, exploring new places with his family, or cheering on Carolyn and Brendan at one of their athletic events.

  4. Why do you feel led to serve on the Senior Pastor Search Committee?
    Steve was serving as Clerk of Session over the past year when discussions of a Senior Pastor transition began. As he learned about how Senior Pastors are called within the EPC, he felt God prompting him to stay involved in the search process. Steve values the process established by the EPC and would be honored to serve Ward in that capacity. With his experience in Session and long-standing commitment to Ward Church, Steve feels well-prepared to be part of the team that identifies the next Senior Pastor of Ward Church.

Troy Morris

  1. How long have you been at Ward?
    Troy Morris has been a member of Ward Church for 11 years.

  2. What leadership and volunteer roles have you had at Ward?
    He is an elder and has also served as a deacon and a member of Session. Most recently, he chaired the Nominating Committee while on Session this past year. Troy has also led the church’s Christmas Toy Drive partnership with Central Detroit Christian for the past five years.

  3. Tell us about your career and life outside of Ward?
    Professionally, Troy brings strong leadership and discernment from his role as Chief Operating Officer at an edtech company, where he oversaw hiring at all levels. He now provides fractional executive leadership through his company, Beyond Summit Advisors.

  4. Why do you feel led to serve on the Senior Pastor Search Committee?
    Troy approaches this search prayerfully, seeking to submit to God’s will in every decision. His hope is to honor Ward’s legacy of faithful pastoral leadership and help identify a senior pastor who will carry forward our pioneering spirit and mission to lead generations to live and love like Jesus.

Special Meeting of the Congregation

August 24, 2025 • 11:45 a.m. 

Opening Prayer Melissa Overfield, Elder 

Call to Order Scott McKee, Moderator 

Presentation of the First Motion David Wood, Assistant Clerk of Session 

MOTION:  To dissolve the pastoral relationship between Scott McKee and Ward Church effective July 1, 2027 or earlier should Scott deem it necessary or when another pastor is called to fill the senior pastor role. 

RATIONALE:  This motion is required by our presbytery to allow the search process to begin.  A pulpit must be declared “vacant” before a church may begin the search for a new senior pastor.  An announced retirement or transition (date required) accepted by the congregation constitutes a “vacant pulpit.”  This motion must be settled before electing a search committee.  

Presentation of Second Motion Deanna Hatmaker, Clerk of Session 

MOTION: To elect the senior pastor search committee (SPSC) as recommended by Session.

RATIONALE: Session has the responsibility to nominate a senior pastor search committee. During the two-week open window for submissions of recommendations by the congregation, we received over 100 names for potential committee members. These candidates have been vetted for membership status, church engagement and service, complementing gifts, broad representation of the congregation, and church leadership experience. Session prayerfully considered the qualifications required for the role and followed the “best practices” and recommendations provided in the EPC Procedure Manual for Search Committees. Session unanimously recommends to the congregation the approval of a slate of seven nominees.  

 Commissioning of SPSC and Prayer for Transition Peter Tassi, Elder  

 Adjournment 

Mary Watson

  1. How long have you been at Ward?
    I have been a member of Ward for over 30 years.  I first joined the Church when it was located in Livonia at 6 Mile and Farmington.

  2. What leadership and volunteer roles have you had at Ward?
    I have had many opportunities to serve at Ward in various roles. I have been an Elder, a member of the Associate Pastor Search Committee, a Children's Sunday School Teacher, and a volunteer for Kids' Kamp. Currently, I am part of the Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief Team and volunteer as a gardener at the church. Additionally, I have volunteered for the EPC General Assembly and Forgotten Harvest. I also serve on the Senior Adult Leadership Team.

  3. Tell us about your career and life outside of Ward.
    I am married to Rod, who sings in the choir. We have two adult sons. I’m a proud grandma to two grandsons, aged 4 years and 4 months. I retired from Ambulatory Care Nursing at the University of Michigan and hold a BSN degree and a MSBA -Leadership Studies degree. Spending time with my family, Bible study, reading, golfing, gardening, and swimming are activities I enjoy.

  4. Why do you feel led to serve on the Senior Pastor Search Committee?
    I love Ward Church and want to see it thrive for God’s glory. I have been praying about the opportunity to serve on the Senior Pastor Search Committee, as it is a way to support the Body of Christ. I understand that this role comes with a lot of responsibility, as the Senior Pastor recommended and then selected will significantly influence vision, preaching, discipleship, outreach, and the overall tone of our church for years to come.

    Ward Church is preparing for a major leadership transition, one that we wish we didn't have to face. However, I have seen God guide Ward through leadership changes in the past, and I trust in Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to lead us through this one as well. 

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