Jim Hays- Lead PastorApril 20, 2026
Dear Life Pointe Church Partners and Friends,
For Marcie and me, planting Life Pointe Church eighteen years ago alongside an amazing team of visionary and hardworking friends was one of the greatest adventures of our lives. We continue to consider it the honor of a lifetime to serve this congregation. We are more than thankful to the Lord for so many—some now with the Lord--who have contributed so much to the life, health and ministry of this church, and for all who have encouraged and prayed for us personally.
I am writing you today to inform you of my intention to retire from the role of Lead Pastor of Life Pointe Church, effective December 31, 2026.
This was not a sudden decision, nor has it been made in isolation. I informed the elders several months ago that I was considering this step. While the current chapter is ending, I do not believe that God is finished writing the story of Life Pointe Church. I believe the best years of this church are still waiting to be realized. And it’s my belief that the time has come for a young, dynamic and innovative pastor to lead you into that future.
God already knows who He is preparing. I’m praying that he will be a man with a great heart for God, for the word of God, for his family and for this church; and a passion to see increasing numbers of people in this city come to personal faith in Jesus Christ. So, even though we do not yet know him by name, please join me in praying for him!
So, what lies ahead of us this year as a church?
We are partnering with our denominational district leaders, who will be guiding us through a process that will culminate in the call of a new pastor. A pastoral search team will be assembled soon to identify, vet and recommend candidates. Some of you will be asked to serve on that team.
We will be forming listening groups and other venues that will afford you plenty of opportunity to provide input, to share concerns and ideas, and to have your questions answered. Throughout the process, every effort will be made to communicate to you transparently, fully and frequently.
There will be congregation-wide calls to both prayer and fasting as we seek the heart and mind of God for our future. But you don’t need to wait for those. You can begin praying today.
You may be wondering “Why?” or “Why now?” September, for me, will mark 48 years in pastoral ministry. And in December, Lord willing, I’ll celebrate my 70th birthday. I simply believe the time has come for a new, younger leader for this church.
Beyond that, my wife Marcie has stood by me and supported me for all these years, and has made countless sacrifices to enable me to fulfill my calling. I look forward to giving her, my children and my grandchildren more of my time and attention, which they richly deserve.
What else I’ll be doing after retirement remains to be seen. I don’t think God intends for any of us to ever retire from serving Him, so I’ll be exploring new avenues in the years to come. Until then, I will continue to discharge my duties as your pastor, and I will work hard with the elders and all of you to see that this transition is accomplished in ways that are honoring to God, and healthy for this church.
Moments of transition like this can be challenging and uncomfortable. But change is the only constant in life, and it’s a necessary part of health and growth. May I ask you in the coming months, instead of leaning outward, to press inward: in prayer, in presence, in service, in giving, in loving and encouraging one another? If you will, then this can be an exciting season of seeing God do great things in us and through us.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:5-6
Take hold of Life!
Pastor Jim
