WHY IS PASTOR PAT STEPPING AWAY AS LEAD PASTOR?​

After much prayer and reflection, Pastor Pat and the other elders have sensed God’s leading to transition Freedom’s senior leadership to the next generation. Pastor Pat will continue serving on staff in a part-time pastoral role, focusing on counseling, discipleship, and care ministries. He will also join our team of overseers who provide counsel and accountability to our church.

WHO WILL BE THE NEW LEAD PASTOR?​One of our long-time members and elders, Matt Butschek, will be stepping into the role of Lead Pastor. He has faithfully served our church in leadership for many years and is well-respected in the congregation, especially for his six-year tenure as Freedom’s Youth Pastor. Matt is currently completing the intensive one-year NRP School of Ministry program and will graduate in February. This experience is equipping him in a unique and powerful way for the responsibilities of his new pastoral role.

WILL THE NEW LEAD PASTOR BE FULL-TIME?​

No, Matt will be serving as a bi-vocational Lead Pastor. He will continue his career as a firefighter until his planned retirement, while also leading the church in his new pastoral role. His unique 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule provides the flexibility needed to serve both faithfully. Pastor Pat and the elders will provide strong support for Matt and the church throughout this transition, ensuring that all responsibilities are well-covered and ministry continues to thrive.

HOW WILL THE TRANSITION AFFECT CHURCH LEADERSHIP?​The leadership will remain strong and unified. Our elder team, staff, and ministry leaders will continue to function collaboratively, with clear roles and open communication. Pastor Pat’s continued involvement will also help ensure a smooth and stable transition.

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WHEN WILL THE TRANSITION HAPPEN?

The transition is already underway. Matt has begun serving as Associate Pastor and is actively stepping into many of the responsibilities of church leadership. He will be officially set in as Lead Pastor on February 22, 2026, during a special service. Until then, he and Pastor Pat will continue to work closely together to ensure a smooth and unified transition.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE YOUTH MINISTRY LEADERSHIP?

As Matt steps into his new role as Lead Pastor, he and Stacy will be stepping down from their current positions as Youth Pastor. We’re excited to share that Adam and Angela Shaw will be stepping in to lead our Youth Ministry in September. They previously served as our youth pastors years ago and bring a deep love for students, a strong connection to our church family, and a passion for raising up the next generation. 

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HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE CHURCH DURING THIS TRANSITION?
Please pray for the church, the leadership, and especially both pastors as they navigate these new roles. Encourage and support them with grace and patience. Stay engaged and committed, ask questions if you have them, and trust God to lead our church into this next chapter.

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WILL THE CHURCH’S VISION OR DIRECTION CHANGE?
The core vision and mission of our church remain the same — to love God, love people, and make disciples. While every new season brings some change, our commitment to Biblical truth, community, and spiritual growth is unwavering.

WHO CAN I TALK TO IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

We welcome your questions! Please reach out to any of our elders. Please get in touch with our office for their contact information.