Joel Thomas is the proposed successor, with congregational approval required before the transition begins.
Andy Stanley announced October 18 that he plans to relinquish his two senior leadership positions at North Point Ministries in 2027.
Under the proposed transition, Joel Thomas would become the ministry’s senior pastor on January 1, subject to congregational approval. Stanley would continue as lead pastor of North Point Community Church until May, when Thomas would also assume that role.
Stanley told the congregation that he and his wife, Sandra, began discussing the transition about four and a half years ago. He cited the organization’s future and a desire for greater flexibility to spend time with his grandchildren.
The announcement outlines a planned succession rather than an immediate departure.
North Point’s governing structure requires congregational approval of a new senior pastor. Stanley said neither he nor the board of elders can independently install his successor.
Thomas has a long history with the ministry. He became its first intern in 1998 and later served in several leadership positions, including an earlier tenure as North Point Community Church’s lead pastor.
The ministry has published Stanley’s announcement and additional information about the proposed transition.
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Featured photo: Andy Stanley in an archival portrait. Credit: NPPublishing / North Point Publishing, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
