Grace Church in DeMotte was launched in the Fall of 1992 with a core group of families and its founding Pastor, Tim Hester who continues to lead today.  Originally meeting in a living room, expanding into a school gymnasium, and now occupying the building they’ve called home for 18 years on 40 acres, debt-free, Grace Church has been committed to community involvement as well as local and global outreach through a variety of ministries and church partnerships.  

Grace Church has grown by 12% consistently over the past five years, baptizing over 100 hundred believers and ministering to upwards of 800 individuals every weekend.  With a committed team of elders protecting the flock and a staff of 10 guiding and equipping the ministry Grace Church offers a variety of opportunities to ‘connect to God, His Church, and His World.’  Celebrate Recovery is in its sixteenth year helping believers find victory and freedom over their hurts, habits, and hang-ups.  A ten-week discipleship training experience called Rooted has helped over 150 believers strengthen their faith and walk with Jesus.   Grace Church gives more than ten percent of its general operating budget to endeavors beyond its ministry to support the Women’s Center of Northwest Indiana, orphanages in Cambodia and India, pastor training in Tanzania, and Bible translation in Indonesia.   

In 2024 Pastor Tim announced his intention to retire in the fall of 2026.  Over the past 33 years, God has been faithful in blessing and using Grace Church to connect people to God, His Churc,h and His World. We are excited about what God has in store for the next 33.  Below you will find additional information on what is happening at Grace Church as well as the next steps in our journey of transition and pastoral succession.

STEP 1 - PRAYER

Be assured that God has a plan for Grace Church and its next Lead Teaching Pastor. God is already at work preparing the way. The Elder Team and Staff have already begun praying for the Holy Spirit’s leading. We would ask that you join us in praying for the Leadership Team, staff, those who call Grace their home church, and for the future Lead Teaching Pastor.

STEP 2 - DISCUSS TRANSITION PLAN WITH GRACE STAFF AND ELDERS

Grace Church elders met with Slingshot a church consulting firm in early 2024 to start having the conversation about what succession looks like for our church. Then in February of 2025, our staff and elders began making transition plans with Effective Elders (E2).

STEP 3 - PASTORAL SEARCH TEAM

The pastoral search team consists of the Elder Team and our Executive Pastor James Stacy.

STEP 4 - DEVELOP PASTORAL PROFILE

The Elder Team met in February to determine a pastoral profile. This will be a list of qualities and job descriptions Grace Church is looking for in our new Lead Teaching Pastor.

STEP 5 - IDENTIFY & INTERVIEW POTENTIAL CANDIDATES

Phase 1: After identifying potential candidates, the Search Team will vet the potential candidates and arrange for initial interviews. 

Phase 2: Both offsite and onsite interviews with the Search Team will take place over several months. 

Phase 3: Staff will be introduced to potential candidates who have been vetted with high potential. 

Confidentiality during this process is essential for the sake of all candidates and the places where they are currently serving.

STEP 6 - LEADERSHIP TEAM NOMINATION

The Elder Team will vote to recommend the preferred pastoral candidate.  

STEP 7 - RESPONSE OF THE CANDIDATE

The Search Team will contact the candidate extending the role and a response is expected within 15 days. If the candidate does not accept the call, the process returns to Step 5.

STEP 8 - OVERLAP OF NEW LEAD TEACHING PASTOR

Once a nomination is made and accepted the congregation will be informed. Grace Church will have the opportunity to celebrate and welcome its new Lead Teaching Pastor and family. Further potential overlap and transition details to come.

If you have questions please contact:

James Stacy

Executive Pastor