Sending Our Founding Pastor: Navigating Transition with Hope

In this heartfelt and transparent episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, founding pastor Zack Thurman and Pastor Josh sit down to share the difficult news of Zack’s upcoming departure from Overland Church. With honesty, tears, laughter, and deep pastoral care, they walk the church through the emotions and practical realities of transitioning from its founding pastor to the next shepherd.Zack opens up about the internal wrestling, the Lord’s clear leading, and the mixed feelings of deep love for Overland paired with obedience to God’s new assignment in West Palm Beach, Florida. He shares the timeline of how the Lord stirred his heart and opened doors, including the opportunity to coach church planters and help a multiplying church network reach more neighborhoods with the gospel.Together, Zack and Josh give the church a clear, biblical roadmap for this season:Celebrate and send the Thurman family well (we don’t say goodbye — we send)Grieve the loss togetherThen refocus on the mission with renewed energyThey offer practical encouragement for church members: stay faithful in attendance, keep serving and giving, protect unity, refuse gossip and unfair comparisons, pray for the search team and staff, love the next pastor, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus — the true Head of the Church.This episode is filled with hope and a strong reminder that Overland’s future is secure because Christ builds His church.Whether you’re an Overland member processing this change or a leader facing transition in your own church, this conversation offers comfort, clarity, and gospel-centered direction for walking through pastoral change faithfully.