The process for appointing a new Lead Pastor at HCC is different from traditional church governance models. There are generally three types of church governance:

1. Congregational Model: A democratic process where church members vote to select and affirm their pastor.
2. Presbyterian Model: Governance is conducted by a group of elders who make decisions collectively.
3. Episcopal Model: Led by a supervisor who oversees multiple churches within a geographic area, guiding them in selecting pastors.

As a Foursquare Church, HCC follows a modified Episcopal model, where our supervisor provides guidance and oversight. Here's a simplified breakdown of our process:

• Congregational Involvement: The congregation participates through prayer, for leadership, the council and the Foursquare district staff as they vet candidates.
• Collaborative Leadership: The church council and our leaders collaborate to identify the specific needs and context of our church.
• Supervisor’s Role: Our district supervisor collects and evaluates information from HCC leaders, handles the vetting process, and makes a collaborative recommendation.
• Board of Directors: The Foursquare Board of Directors reviews the supervisor’s recommendation, confirms the selection, and officially appoints the new pastor.

Although our policy does not require a congregational vote, we deeply value local insight and collaborative discernment. The church council will be available to the congregation to ask questions and share their insights.  We trust that through this collaborative and prayerful approach, the Holy Spirit will clearly guide us in choosing the right individual or family.

This careful, prayer-led process ensures we identify the candidate best suited for HCC’s future needs. We trust God’s faithfulness, knowing He has uniquely prepared someone for this role.

Please continue to pray for our church council, our leaders, and our district leaders throughout this process. Together, we trust God’s clarity and provision as we discern His choice for the next Lead Pastor of our congregation.

Thank you for your prayers, engagement, and commitment.

Our next lead pastor must be someone who resonates with the motto of HCC, “no church experience required”. They must discern the needs of our community and lead the church community courageously with grace and truth. We are seeking an individual who will lead the next generation at HCC through a shared leadership model of co-pastors who fulfill three roles. Vision, Purpose and Stewardship.

In short, our lead pastor must care deeply about reaching the unchurched, influencing our community, and make disciples through shared leadership.

"PAST BEHAVIOR IS THE BEST PREDICTOR OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE"
We feel that a successful candidate for the lead pastor position at HCC will be able to demonstrate a concrete record of being able to:

PROVIDE CORE FUNCTIONS OF LEADERSHIP
• Define and cast vision
• Choose and engage talent (staff and council)
• Develop and execute strategy
• Measure and ensure accountability
• Adapt current trends and make course corrections
• Increase generosity levels of HCC people
• Develop and maintain influence in the community
• Maintain objectivity, perspective and humility as core strengths of leadership
• Communicate and inspire others

WE REALIZE THAT THERE IS NO PERFECT LEAD PASTOR. THOUGH IMPERFECT, WE ASPIRE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS GROWING IN THESE AREAS:
• Have a deep, personal and practical relationship with Christ as a foundation of their lives.
• Senses a calling to serve the kingdom through the local Foursquare church.
• Display a healthy, integrated soul with the ability to integrate fruitful effects of failures, hurts, and disappointments, as well as wins and achievements for God’s purposes.
• Exhibit personal warmth/charisma that draws people in and creates an environment of inclusion.
• Value and embrace cultural and ethnic diversity
• Possess emotional intelligence with the capacity of leading self and others.
• Display a healthy balance of humility and courage in their everyday lives
• Demonstrate evidence of a godly life with spiritual fruit in professional, family, church and community relationships.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
At present we are looking for someone who exhibits many of the following qualifications:
• Earned Bachelors of Arts degree (additional seminary training desired)
• The ability and gift of teaching/preaching
• Values shared leadership (TRIAD Model)
• Views stewardship and generosity as a joyous opportunity to grow in our faith.
• 10+ years leadership experience in a church or non-profit organization
• Licensed or willing to be licensed with Foursquare international, followed with ordination.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity

The building process will move forward under the guidance and leadership of the HCC Council.

• The Council will focus on solidifying our important partnership with the YMCA Early Learning Center, ensuring mutual support and collaboration.
• Additionally, the Council will oversee the completion of the Conditional Use Permit process, a critical step necessary for our project's compliance and approval with the City of Gig Harbor. 
• Finally, the Council will initiate a Financial Feasibility Study to evaluate the financial requirements and sustainability of the building project. These steps will ensure that the process is thorough, transparent, and responsibly managed, setting a strong foundation for the project's success.

Save the date!
Join us for the celebration of 30 years of service!
Friday, June 6, 2025
5:00 to 8:00 PM
Open House | All ages welcome

at Ocean5
5268 Point Fosdick DR
Gig Harbor, WA 98335

For 30 wonderful years, Gino and Mardel, along with Rick and Marv and a dedicated team, have been deeply honored to walk alongside countless individuals, sharing the love and grace of God and serving a church they cherish wholeheartedly. Although Gino is stepping away from his formal pastoral role, he remains fully committed to his life's mission and calling.

As Will Willimon insightfully expresses in his book, Aging, “We can retire from our careers, but not from our mission and calling.” This resonates deeply with Gino.

Gino is entering this new season with excitement, joy, and great expectation. He eagerly anticipates mentoring emerging leaders in our region, devoting more time to writing, and continuing his deep commitment to the vibrant Gig Harbor community.

Though he will no longer be involved at HCC, his passion for people, meaningful relationships, and lasting spiritual impact remains unwavering