Introduction:

Welcome to theFormed.life! In this heartfelt episode, our hosts Nathan Miller and Gabe Coyle are joined by Dela Beebe, Chief Operating Officer at Christ Community, for the final conversation in our special three-part series exploring the lead senior pastor process and position at Christ Community.

Drawing from over 15 years of shared history, the trio takes a walk down memory lane, reminiscing about the formative moments that have shaped their friendships, their callings, and the church itself. From humble beginnings in church planting and volunteer days, to the joys and challenges of executive leadership, Nathan, Dela, and Gabe share stories of camaraderie, authenticity, and faithfulness.

Together, they reflect on the core values that define Christ Community—especially the commitment to "live before an audience of one" and remain focused on mission rather than chasing trends. As they navigate both mountaintop moments and gut-wrenching challenges, listeners are given a candid glimpse into the deep respect and trust that has developed among these leaders.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership transitions, teamwork, and the hope that anchors them as they step boldly into the church’s future, united in their purpose and love for Jesus.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Deep Roots and Relationships at Christ Community
   The conversation reflects on the long-standing relationships between the hosts and guest, highlighting how their shared history at Christ Community has formed a strong foundation of trust, camaraderie, and mutual respect. Their memories reveal a journey of growing together through early campus launches, personal milestones, and professional development.
2. Commitment to Mission Over Fads
   A major theme is how Christ Community has intentionally avoided chasing church trends or "fads." Instead, they've remained committed to their core mission—living "before an audience of one" (God). This steady focus has allowed the church to respond wisely to new opportunities and challenges, ensuring lasting impact rather than temporary popularity.
3. The Beauty of Unified Leadership and Shared Mission
   The team expresses gratitude for a leadership culture where everyone is "rowing in the same direction." Even in challenging seasons, there's a clear sense of unity and commitment to Jesus and the church's mission. The mutual support through both high and low moments is highlighted as a source of hope and encouragement for the future.

Timestamps:
00:00 Final Podcast on Pastor Role
03:26 "Leadership Transition in Church Campuses"
07:59 Christ Community's Consistent Mission Focus
09:47 "Teamwork's Beauty and Hope"

Keywords:

Christ Community, lead senior pastor process, executive leadership team, church history, church planting, Olathe campus, staff roles, residency program, campus pastors, Brookside campus, Downtown campus, Shawnee campus, church transitions, leadership team, audience of one, mission-driven church, church fads, church culture, volunteer service, team collaboration, church memory sharing, authentic leadership, church growth, congregation development, church credit card, staff relationships, humility in leadership, leadership challenges, teamwork, church faithfulness

Hashtags:
#LeadershipTransition #ChurchHistory #FaithfulCommunity #MinistryLife #TeamworkInChrist #AuthenticLeadership #MissionFocused #SharedMemories #ChristianHope #theFormedLifePodcast
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WEB: https://cckc.church/
CONNECT: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/1304/responses/new
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christcommunitykc/
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Introduction:
Welcome to a special edition of theFormed.life podcast! In this episode, host Bill Gorman is joined by longtime colleague Tom Nelson and Gabe Coyle, who is currently the candidate for the next lead senior pastor of Christ Community. This conversation is part of a three-part series exploring the church’s pastoral succession process.

Today, we take a deep dive into Gabe’s personal journey—starting with his upbringing in a loving, church-engaged family, his early calling to pastoral ministry, and the pivotal moments that shaped his passion to serve God's purposes. Gabe shares stories from his formative years, including what it was like growing up in a single-parent household, discovering his gifts in teaching and leading, and the key mentors who encouraged him along the way. Bill and Tom recall their earliest experiences of working with Gabe, highlighting both his character and the quirky stories—like Tom shedding blood to help Gabe move a couch!

We also get a glimpse into Gabe’s family life, his marriage to Allie (involving quite the church gardener-meets-secretary love story), and life with their three vibrant children in Kansas City’s Longfellow neighborhood. Plus, there’s a revisit of the legendary couch—a symbol of lasting friendships and community.

Whether you’re a member of Christ Community or curious about the heart behind pastoral leadership transitions, this episode offers warmth, authenticity, and plenty of laughter along the way. Join us as we get to know Gabe Coyle, his story, and the vision he brings for the future.

3 Main Takeaways:
- Gabe Coyle’s Journey to Pastoral Ministry
Gabe shares his personal story of growing up in a loving but challenging single-parent home, his early engagement with church, and how the love and support he received from his church community was instrumental in his faith journey. Encouraged by pastors and mentors, he sensed a calling to pastoral ministry during his high school years, particularly through experiences in leadership roles and teaching God’s word.

- The Power of Mentorship and Community
Both Gabe and Tom highlight the significant impact that mentors and community have had in forming their faith and leadership. Gabe speaks specifically about pastors who made time for him despite busy schedules and saw potential in him, shaping his calling and development. The story reinforces the importance of being seen, supported, and called into deeper service by others in the faith community.

- Embracing the Whole Mission of God
Gabe discusses how a shift in understanding the integration of faith and work (especially after hearing Tom Nelson speak) changed his perspective. He realized that work isn’t just a means of evangelism or supporting the “real” ministry, but a vital part of God’s mission. This perspective influenced his decision to join Christ Community and participate in their residency program, seeing it as a missing piece in his ministry formation.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Exploring Pastoral Succession Process"
05:14 High School Chaplaincy Experience
09:58 Church Campus Romance Begins
12:57 Couch Pickup Incident

Keywords:
pastoral succession, Christ Community Church, Gabe Coyle, Bill Gorman, Tom Nelson, pastoral residency, church leadership, elder chairman, executive leadership team, calling to ministry, vocational calling, church community, faith and work, pastoral mentorship, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Cedarville University, church upbringing, single parent family, church support, youth ministry, worship leader, chaplain experience, sermon teaching, mentorship, family life, Longfellow neighborhood, community involvement, Kansas City, church culture, church staff relationships, career discernment

Hashtags:
#PastoralSuccession #ChurchLeadership #CallingToMinistry #ChristianCommunity #FaithJourney #MentorshipMatters #FamilyFaith #SpiritualFormation #GospelLegacy #theFormedLifePodcast

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WEB: https://cckc.church/
CONNECT: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/1304/responses/new
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christcommunitykc/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/christcommunitykc

Introduction:

Welcome to a special edition of theFormed.life podcast from Christ Community! In this episode, host Paul Brandes sits down with Tom Nelson, the founding and current lead senior pastor, and Kevin Rockman, current elder chair and chair of the succession task force, for an honest and insightful conversation about the church’s upcoming leadership transition.

With over 37 years of dedicated service, Tom shares how intentional succession planning has always been part of the church’s DNA—from developing a mission-centered leadership culture to launching a pastoral residency program designed to train both internal and external leaders. Kevin takes us behind the scenes of the recent, focused succession process, explaining how the task force was formed, how they considered both internal and external candidates, and why they ultimately felt confident in recommending Gabe as the next lead senior pastor.

You’ll hear about the values and thoughtfulness guiding every step—from bylaws refreshment to financial health and doctrinal integrity—ensuring the church continues forward grounded in its core mission. Join us as we explore the heart, history, and hope steering Christ Community into its next chapter, and get an insider’s look at the team, process, and vision shaping the future of leadership within the church.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Intentional, Long-Term Succession Planning
   Succession has been a deliberate part of Christ Community’s leadership culture for many years. Tom Nelson, the founding and current lead senior pastor, emphasized that from the beginning, the church has focused on building leaders and preparing for future transitions. The pastoral residency program was highlighted as a key piece of this strategy—developing a pipeline not only for Christ Community, but for the broader church landscape.
2. Thorough and Prayerful Process
   The succession process was described as thorough, thoughtful, and deeply prayerful. Kevin Rockman, elder chair and head of the succession task force, shared details about assembling a diverse team, consulting internal and external advisors, and considering both internal and external candidates. Key organizational updates, including bylaws and financial health, were made to ensure a stable foundation for the transition. Ultimately, after much discernment and input, the task force and elders unanimously recommended Gabe as the next lead senior pastor.
3. Confidence in Leadership Continuity and the Next Generation
   All speakers expressed deep gratitude and confidence in the continuity of leadership. The selection of Gabe Cole—who embodies the church’s DNA, mission, and vision—was enthusiastically affirmed. There was a strong sense of excitement for the future, both for Gabe’s unique gifts (such as his commitment to spiritual formation and leadership development) and the broader senior team. The episode ends with hopeful anticipation for what God will do through the next generation of leaders.

Timestamps:
00:00 Pastoral Succession Series Launch
05:56 Leadership Transition Reflection
08:59 Elder Team Succession Planning
12:32 Multi-Site Church Leadership Search
15:00 2025 Succession Plan Announcement
17:40 Teamwork Over Individual Roles
21:54 "Leadership Transition in Faith Community"
24:12 "Succession and Leadership Continuity"

Keywords:

lead pastor succession, church leadership transition, Christ Community Church, pastoral residency program, elder board, succession planning, leadership development, organizational integrity, mission statement, church bylaws, financial sustainability, debt free church, EFCA (Evangelical Free Church of America), church doctrine, position papers, gender and church leadership, sexuality and marriage, leadership culture, biblical leadership, team leadership, internal candidates, external candidates, multi-site church, campus pastors, executive leadership team, Gabe Cole, leadership selection process, spiritual formation, staff continuity, future leadership vision

Hashtags:
#LeadershipTransition #ChurchSuccession #SpiritualFormation #ChristCommunityChurch #GospelLeadership #TeamMinistry #BiblicalIntegrity #PastoralResidency #FaithfulStewardship #theFormedLifePodcast
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WEB: https://cckc.church/
CONNECT: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/1304/responses/new
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christcommunitykc/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/christcommunitykc

Introduction:

Welcome to theFormed.life podcast! In this special episode, we share a significant announcement in the life of Christ Community Church. After 37 years of faithful service, founding pastor Tom Nelson is preparing to pass the baton to a new generation of leadership. Joined by Andy Root and Gabe Coyle, the episode celebrates Gabe’s unanimous recommendation by the Elder Board to become the next lead senior pastor. With reflections on the church’s legacy, the importance of spiritual formation, and a vision for building deeper people—not just a bigger church—this conversation invites you into a pivotal moment of transition and hope for the future. Whether you’ve been part of Christ Community for years or are just tuning in, you’ll hear firsthand from those at the heart of this inspiring next chapter.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Leadership Transition Announcement: Tom Nelson, the founding pastor, announces that he will be passing the baton to a new generation of leadership at Christ Community Church. After 37 years of dedicated service, he shares the news that the Elder Board has unanimously recommended Gabe Coyle to be the next lead senior pastor.
2. Strong Endorsement for Gabe Coyle: Both Tom Nelson and Andy Root express their excitement about Gabe Coyle stepping into this new role. Gabe has been part of the church for over a decade and already serves at the downtown campus, giving him deep familiarity with the church’s mission and culture. The continuity provided by his leadership, along with the senior team and campus pastors, is highlighted as key for the church's ongoing mission.
3. Focus on Spiritual Formation: There’s a strong emphasis that the role of lead senior pastor at Christ Community is about much more than growing the size of the church; it’s about nurturing spiritual depth and formation—building “deeper people.” Tom Nelson specifically underscores that a pastor's primary calling is to be a “gardener of the soul,” shaping the spiritual health of both the congregation and themselves.

Overall, this episode marks an exciting and hopeful transition period for the church, centered on faithfulness, legacy, and a renewed commitment to its core mission.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• A Long Obedience in the Same Direction - Eugene Peterson

Keywords:

Christ Community Church, Kansas City, pastoral transition, lead senior pastor, Gabe Coyle, Tom Nelson, Elder Board, succession, church leadership, spiritual formation, church mission, continuity, campus pastors, downtown campus, church family, legacy, stewardship, Christian leadership, values, mission, sound doctrine, long obedience, Eugene Peterson, spiritual growth, deeper people, church team, prayerful work, church era, voting, transition date, new generation

Hashtags:
#LeadershipTransition #SpiritualFormation #ChurchLegacy #FaithfulLeadership #GabeCoyle #TomNelson #ChurchFamily #ChristCommunity #PastoralSuccession #theFormedLifePodcast
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WEB: https://cckc.church/
CONNECT: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/1304/responses/new
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christcommunitykc/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/christcommunitykc