TOGETHER TOWARD TOMORROW

As Pastor Rick prepares to step into retirement, we joyfully anticipate the next chapter God has prepared for Violet Baptist Church. As we look toward the future, our VBC family is entering a season of prayer, discernment and action in the search for our next senior pastor.
DOWNLOAD PRAYER GUIDEJob Description + Application

Our ministries, worship services and mission continue as normal as we trust God to lead us into the next season.

Throughout the process, you can find updates from the pulpit committee on this page.

Updates

MARCH 8, 2026

Application window open, initial evaluations underway

March 8, 2026: Pulpit Committee Update

The application window is open, and we are actively reviewing candidates. We are grateful for your continued prayers as we move deeper into this process. God is at work, and we are seeking His guidance every step of the way.

What happened + what's next

  • We met on March 8 to discuss methods for candidate evaluation and to seek God's wisdom as we move into the next stages.
  • We opened in prayer and grounded the meeting in Scripture, specifically Numbers 27 and the biblical call to "give [the people] a shepherd." We were reminded that God appoints leaders for His people, and our role is to listen and discern.
  • We spent time as a committee on unity and honoring one another: recognizing personal biases, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide our responses, and committing to direct, respectful communication within the group.
  • Where we are: We are encouraged by the number and quality of applications received. We have a solid group of candidates moving forward into the next stage of evaluations.
  • Next up: Since we opened our application two weeks ahead of schedule, we are closing our application window on March 31. Our goal is to have a pool of our top five candidates ready for Zoom interviews by that date.
  • A brief update will be shared with the congregation at the VBC Quarterly Meeting on March 18 at 6:00 PM. We encourage you to attend.

What we're doing

  • Candidates are being evaluated using a structured, weighted rubric across early stages: paper review and sermon review.
  • We completed a calibration exercise to ensure all committee members are scoring candidates consistently and fairly.
  • The position is posted on the Ohio Baptist Messenger (SCBO.org) and nationally on SBC.net/jobs.
  • You can find updates anytime on the VBC website under: About Us → Updates from Pulpit Committee.

How to pray

Psalms 96:9 - 12

“For you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for He guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name.”
  • Praise the Lord for the privilege of serving Violet in this way.
  • Pray that the Violet membership would continue to pray fervently for our committee as we search for our next senior pastor.
  • Continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will guide our search, our behavior and our prayers.
  • Pray that we would treat the candidates fairly as we narrow the list.

At any time, questions can be directed to pulpitcommittee@violetchurch.com.

FEB. 4, 2026

Kicking off the search

Feb. 4, 2026: Pulpit Committee Update

To those who completed our member survey, thank you! Your feedback is being woven into the process alongside many other tools as we seek God’s guidance every step of the way.

We are finalizing the senior pastor job description and will be opening the application window soon to begin receiving candidates.

What happened + what’s next

  • We met on Feb. 1 to set the spiritual tone for the search and agree on clear expectations: confidentiality, honesty and discernment over shortcuts. We are committed to a full, thorough search and evaluation process.
  • We aligned on the process and timeline: the application window is planned for March 1–April 16. (Edit 2/16/16: We're ahead of schedule! The application window launched Feb. 12.)
  • Next up: We’ll share monthly updates on the Wednesday following each meeting, and as we progress through the process, we will post more frequent updates if needed.

What we heard

We hear a shared desire for a pastor who will preach God’s Word faithfully, shepherd people well and help our church move forward with clarity, unity and spiritual depth.

We also hear the need for stronger church communication. See below for more information about what you can expect in future updates regarding the search process.

What we're doing about it

Along with other tools, we’ve used your survey input to help inform the job description and our screening process: prioritizing the strengths our church values, addressing the areas where we most need support and applying the standard expectations and ministry requirements common for Southern Baptist senior pastors.

How to pray

  • Pray that our prayer and listening to God's response (through His Word and the Holy Spirit) will be the absolute in decision making.
  • Pray for wisdom and unity as we move through the process.
  • Pray that we will be contacted by excellent candidates, and that God will make His choice for Violet apparent.

Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5–6; Proverbs 3:13–18; Psalms 25:4–5, 9

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

What type of information can I expect to see in future updates?

What we will share

  • Where we are in the process and the next steps
  • Timeline ranges and key milestones
  • How decisions are made (the process)
  • Methods we’re using to evaluate candidates (survey themes, prayerful discernment, sermon reviews, interviews, references and SBC expectations)
  • How you can give input and pray (quick check-in polls, FAQs, prayer points)

What we can't share

  • Candidate names early on or details that could identify them
  • Private information (families, references, sensitive situations)
  • Candidate evaluations
  • Anything that could harm or affect a candidate or their current church

WHY

This is a weighty, important process with real implications for our church family: spiritually, relationally and practically. We’re committed to communication that is both honest and wise.

  • Stewardship: We know many of you are eager for updates. As stewards, our job is to handle this process with wisdom and care to protect our church and keep you informed in a steady, responsible way.
  • Fairness: Candidates deserve the same process and the same dignity. Protecting confidentiality helps prevent disruption or unnecessary complications for a candidate, his family and his current church.
  • Integrity: Some details must remain private so references can speak freely, candidates can be evaluated consistently and the process stays beyond reproach.

We ask for your prayerful support and a spirit of unity as we move forward, believing the committee is working faithfully and with integrity for the good of our church. We will share what we can, when we can, and we will keep pointing our church back to the Lord as we seek His wisdom together.

At any time, questions can be directed to pulpitcommittee@violetchurch.com.

Who are we seeking?

Character
We’re looking for someone who loves Jesus deeply, lives with integrity and leads from a place of humility and faithfulness to the Gospel. (1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9)
Culture
Our hope is to find a leader who champions the doctrine and values of VBC's Baptist identity: someone who honors where we’ve been while guiding where we’re going.
Chemistry
We’re seeking a leader, along with his family, who connects naturally with our church family and enjoys being part of a close-knit church community.
Competency
We’re also looking for someone with the calling, education, gifts and experience to lead well. He is someone who can preach the Word clearly and passionately, shepherd wisely and guide Violet Baptist Church with a clear direction.

Process and timeline

Month/stage What's happening
January
Pre-Search Phase
Orientation & Prayer Launch
 The committee gets organized and invites the church to join in prayer for God’s guidance throughout the search. Thank you to those who completed our member survey!
February
Pre-Search Phase
Gather Church Input, Finalize Position Profile
 We'll review survey results from the congregation, then finalize a clear profile and evaluation criteria for potential candidates.
February-March
Search Phase
Application Window
 We receive and identify potential candidates from a variety of trusted sources and begin compiling names for careful consideration.
March-April
Search Phase
Initial Evaluations
 The committee reviews candidate materials thoughtfully and consistently, narrowing the list to those who best align with our church’s needs and calling.
April-May
Interview Phase
Interviews
 We begin conversations with selected candidates, asking questions, learning about their ministry experience, and discerning fit with our church’s mission and values.
June
Interview Phase
Discernment
 After interviews, the committee spends focused time praying, reflecting, and discussing to reach unity about the candidate we believe God is leading us toward.
July
Post-Interview Phase
Due Diligence, Invite Candidate in View of a Call
 We confirm key information through references and background checks and, if affirmed, invite the candidate to engage with the church.
August
Post-Interview Phase
Recommendation & Vote
 The committee shares a final recommendation with the congregation, holds a vote, and if affirmed, extends an official call and offer to the candidate.
Sept-Oct
Transition Phase
Transition Planning
 The candidate works closely with Pastor Rick and key leaders to plan a smooth transition, getting to know our church, aligning on priorities and preparing for a healthy start in the new role.

Congregational Resources

Prayer guide

Join us in praying for our congregation, pulpit committee and pastoral candidates as we follow God’s leading to our next senior pastor.

Download PRAYER GUIDE

Meet the committee

Pulpit Committee

Pulpit Committee

If you see us around, say hello! We'd love to answer any questions you have.

Fred Staunton Committee Chair

I am a retired engineer who spent my career in the utility industry. I have been an active member of Violet Baptist Church since 2003, serving in Men’s Ministry, Worship Ministry, and VioletGroup leadership. I am married to Tami and have three adult children and six grandchildren. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve my church family in this season.

Kara Bottoms Committee Vice Chair

I’m a Christ-follower, wife, mom, and business owner. My husband, Nick, and I have two kids—Sadie (3) and Silas (1). Violet has been our home church as a couple since 2018, and Nick’s home church since 2004. We serve regularly in VioletKids and stay actively involved in our VioletGroup. Professionally, I own and manage a creative agency serving healthcare and B2B clients. Our agency has supported the church with several recent projects, including graphics for the Resource Hub and the Disaster Relief trailer. I’m also a member of Convene, a national community of Christian business leaders who meet in peer advisory groups, and a mentor through the Baton Exchange.

Jinnie Hill Committee Secretary

I live in Pataskala, Ohio with my husband, Rich, our two children, Richard and Kayla, and our pets—Rascal the dog and Tigger the cat. Family and church are central to my life. I serve as a team parent, regularly volunteer with Violet Kids on Sunday mornings, and support VBC women’s events and various kids’ activities throughout the year. Whether I’m cheering on my children or serving others, I’m fully invested in the people I love. Professionally, I’ve been with JPMorgan Chase since November 2006. I began as an Assistant Manager and now serve as a Controls Manager supporting customer data platforms across the firm.

Jon Camp

I serve as the Men’s Ministry Leader at Violet and am also a member of the Finance Team. I have lived in Pickerington since 2019 and am married to Kristen. We have two children—Andrew (4) and Grace (1). I am a graduate of the University of Tennessee and hold a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as an MBA from Wright State University. Professionally, I work as a Health and Benefits Consultant. In my free time, I enjoy watching Tennessee Vols sports, reading, and drinking coffee.

Sidney Carter

I’m an Onboard and Support Specialist I at U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association. I love being a member of Violet Baptist Church, and I enjoy serving on both the Praise Team and the Welcome Team.

Lee Espartero

I have been a member of Violet since 2015. I currently serve with the Deacon Ministry and in VioletKids, and from time to time I also volunteer at special events. I’m originally from California and moved to Pickerington in 2006. I have been married to my lovely wife, Riza, for 25 years, and we have three children in college: Andrew, Rylee, and Zetta. I currently work for the Air Force Research Lab as a Financial Specialist.

Mark Painter

I currently serve as Chairman of the Deacon Group. I have taught several VioletGroups and have been a member here for the past 12 years. I also co-lead our Tuesday night prayer meetings. I love the people of Violet—both members and guests—and I hope to serve on the Pulpit Committee because I believe this work is vital to the future of our church.

Eric Pennington

I have been a faithful member of Violet Baptist Church for over twenty years, serving in various ministry roles with a special focus on mental health and well-being. I’ve led VioletGroups, coached ministry leaders, and am passionate about helping others grow emotionally and spiritually. Professionally, I serve as the Managing Partner of Spirit of EQ, guiding our mission to cultivate emotional intelligence in leaders and teams. I am a certified practitioner in emotional intelligence and neuroscience-based tools, bringing more than fifteen years of entrepreneurial and leadership experience in both small and large organizations.

Brad Thibaut

I retired from Fifth Third Bank after a 42-year career in credit. I have been a member of Violet Baptist Church since 2003 and have previously served in roles including Upward, children’s ministry, and small group leadership. I currently serve on the Disaster Relief team, the Chanku Waste Ranch Board of Directors, and as Treasurer of Violet Baptist Church.

Questions for the committee? Get in touch!

Questions can be directed to pulpitcommittee@violetchurch.com.

What's Next?
Read more