Dear Canyon Springs Church Family,

As shared during the Town Hall on Sunday, July 13th, Canyon Springs Church is introducing membership. Whether you’re new to faith or have followed Christ for years, membership is an opportunity to grow deeper in both community and purpose.

Membership

Being a member goes beyond simply attending—it’s about living out your faith through worship, service, giving, community, and spiritual growth. Membership at Canyon Springs means choosing to belong: to God, to this church family, and a shared journey of faith. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being connected and committed.

If Canyon Springs is your home church, you’ve been baptized, or prayerfully considering baptism, and you’re known to be in good standing within the church community, we invite you to take the next step and become a member. Visit our website to sign up—it’s as simple as checking a box. Follow the link to our website HERE.

Update on Nomination Team and the Pastoral Search Committee (PSC)

Under our Bylaws, we have established a Nominating Team to select candidates for our Pastoral Search Committee (PSC). This team consists of a Board member, a Staff member, and three at-large church members: Joshua Gorham, Darlene Shadden, Jobie Taber, Larry Rupe, and Matt Hyatt. We are grateful for their service and the essential role they play in our transition journey.

Over the next 2–3 weeks, they will reach out to individuals who have expressed an interest in serving on the PSC to discuss their calling. Based on these discussions and through careful discernment, the team will recommend 6 – 9 PSC candidates who will then be voted on by church members in the congregation. As a reminder, PSC candidates must meet the following basic requirements:

  • Be a church member in good standing.
  • Commit to a 6–18-month process.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality throughout the search.

We are blessed to have 15 individuals on our interest list for the PSC. The Nominating Team will strive to recommend candidates who represent the diverse demographics of our congregation, including “young eagles,” “wise sages,” individuals of various ethnic backgrounds, and those in different stages of family life. If you are not selected, please remember that there will be other opportunities to serve.

Connection Between Membership and the Pastoral Search Committee (PSC)

You may have noticed that all members of the Nominating Team and the future Pastoral Search Committee are church members of Canyon Springs. We are a congregational church, meaning decisions about church policies, leadership, and other important matters are made collectively by the congregation. According to our Bylaws, leadership roles and final approval to serve on the Search Committee are made by the congregation of church members.

Here’s how it works:

  • The Nominating Team, composed of church members, makes recommendations for various church bodies, such as new Board members and the Pastoral Search Committee.
  • The congregation of church members approves and makes final decisions on these recommendations, including those of board members, search committee members, and the annual budget.

As we move forward in our transition, church members will be asked to vote on the recommended candidates for the Pastoral Search Committee, as well as to give a final vote on the new Lead Pastor. Church members will also receive a survey to provide input on the qualities we hope to see in our next pastor, ensuring everyone has a voice in this critical process. 

Questions? Please see the FAQs below or send a message to the Elder Board at [email protected]

What We Hold True

Our identity in Christ is rooted here, in our collective community and faith. We depend on God, and we are confident in our purpose here in Scripps Ranch and beyond. We trust that God’s work will continue according to His perfect plan.

With gratitude and faith,

Canyon Springs Elder Board

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27

FAQs

Q: Who is on the Nominating Committee?

A: The Nominating Committee consists of trusted members of Canyon Springs Church who were prayerfully selected to represent our congregation with wisdom, discernment, and a deep commitment to seeking God’s direction. See names above on Update on Nomination Team and the Pastoral Search Committee (PSC).

Q: When will the Search Committee be formed and begin the interview process?

A: The Nominating Committee will be actively interviewing and discerning who will serve on the Search Committee. Our goal is to have the Search Committee in place and begin their work in the coming months.

Q: We have multiple adults in our family. Should each of them consider church membership?

A: Yes, each adult member in your family who meets the membership criteria should consider becoming a church member

Q: How does church membership affect my ability to vote for a new Lead Pastor?

A: According to our church bylaws and Evangelical Covenant Church guidelines, only active church members can vote when the time comes to affirm the recommended Lead Pastor. If you’re not yet a member, we encourage you to explore membership; it’s about walking in faith and community, not about having it all figured out.

Q: What if I’m early in my walk with the Lord but consider Canyon Springs my home church?

A: You are welcome here! If Canyon Springs is your spiritual home, and you’re growing in your relationship with Jesus, membership may be your next step. We’d love to walk with you in that process. There’s room for you here, no matter where you are in your journey.

Q: What’s the next significant milestone in the process?

A: The next significant step is forming the Search Committee. Once this team is in place, they will begin the detailed and prayerful work of reviewing candidates and conducting interviews for our next Lead Pastor.

Q: Do we have a timeframe for calling a new Lead Pastor?

A: While we are trusting God’s timing and not rushing the process, our hopeful goal is to have a new Lead Pastor called within 6–12 months. That said, we are committed to keeping the congregation informed every step of the way.