God's grace in a season of change

God’s Protection and Blessing

Over the past months, we have faced changes in our life together as a church family — some hard, some joyful, and all part of our good God’s sovereign plan. Through all these things, God’s guiding hand and undeserved grace have been constant and evident, and we continue to see lives transformed by the Gospel here at CFC. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

God’s Direction

Since the resignation of our lead pastor, John Stone, in April of 2024, the session, pastors, and staff have prayerfully undertaken the task of recalling our past (did you know that CFC held its first worship service on September 11, 1994 and turned 30 this past year?!), reevaluating who we are as a church in the present, and resting in God’s provision for the future. We want to be honest with you – our leadership is made up of fallen people, imperfect, sinful, and in need of God’s grace just like you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, God is building His Church at CFC and in Tucson, and we are so thankful the outcome rests in Him alone.

We are excited to present the refocused and revitalized CFC Mission and Values and pray God will be glorified through them. As we move closer to beginning our search for a new lead pastor, we are excited to share our work with you and ask for your continued prayers as we proceed in faith and hope.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. | Philippians 4:6-7

Lead Pastor Search Updates & FAQs

2025

April 13

March 9

January 12 Elder Update

At our January Congregational Meeting, the search team for our Lead Pastor search was confirmed.

CFC Lead Pastor Search Team: Todd Newman (Chair), David Carnahan, Andrew Quinn, Jim Jones, Lorena Garcia, Jane Phillips, Mary Beth Schannep.

Search Process: “‘The Slingshot Way’ is a three-phase process that we lead you and your team through—from the start of a search, leading up to the chosen candidate’s official start date.

Preparation: We get to know you and what you need through an on-site visit

Process: We conduct a nationwide search to find, assess, and present quality candidates
Placement: You hire the best leader for your team!”

2024

Oct 6

Nov 17

Sep 1

Aug 4

July 7

June 2

Who is Guiding CFC through this season of change?

The session of elders, working through the Sr. Leadership Team (SLT) — Associate Pastors Rob Pendley and Chad Turner, Executive Director Byron Johns, and Director of Shepherding Dr. John Miller — and in consultation with Ted Vaughn of Historic Agency.

What kind of updates can we expect?

Our elders are giving an update during both worship services on the first Sunday of each month. If you have missed any of these previous updates or would like to listen again, please review them above. As we move through this season as a church family, there will likely be additional emails and pulpit updates — sign up for the Footprint to make sure you don’t miss anything.

What is the timeline for searching for and calling a new Lead Pastor?

Though we have interviewed several pastoral search firms, we do not expect to engage one until October at the earliest. Right now, our priority is prayerfully developing our church identity and leadership health. We are committed to waiting on God’s timing and following as He leads, and we are convinced that part of faithfully shepherding CFC right now is to focus on internal progress rather than a set timeline.

Will our doctrine or theology change?

No — we are and will continue to be a member congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America, holding to the Westminster Confession of Faith, Longer and Shorter Catechisms, and Book of Church Order and believing in the inerrancy of Scripture and the sovereignty of God.

Who should we direct questions to?

You can direct questions to the SLT by emailing the members directly (rob@cfcpca.org, chad@cfcpca.org, byron@cfcpca.org, john@cfcpca.org).

Are there plans to bring in (hire) an interim lead pastor?

How can the congregation be involved in the search for a new Lead Pastor?

First and foremost, by praying for CFC and for God’s leading and timing. Secondarily, a cross-section of CFC members will be selected to serve on a Pastoral Search Committee once we are ready to actively pursue hiring a new Lead Pastor. This group will work with a pastoral search firm to make a recommendation to the session, who will then present the recommended candidate to the congregation and call for a congregational vote. We will communicate more about this as we get closer to formally beginning the process.