Associate Pastor / Lead Pastor Pathway
Current - A Christian Church is prayerfully seeking a humble, biblically grounded leader who senses a calling to senior leadership.
Show Up.
Leave Different.
Jesus-Centered Community
We're all about the change and transformation that only God can bring about in the lives of people. Our simple statement, "Show Up - Leave Different," is both a challenge and a promise—a low-pressure invitation and a spiritual dare all in one. "Show Up" can mean simply giving it a try and attending a service to see if you like it. But it can also mean bringing your spiritual focus, passion, and intentionality with you—arriving ready to be changed by God.
When we show up and draw near to God, He has promised to draw near to us (James 4:8). When God draws near, He does so with the purpose of making us new, different, and changed. We're not about attending church to check off an item on a spiritual "to do" list or going through the motions. We serve the living God, and He invites us to show up. Because of who He is and how He works in our lives, we can leave different.
Our 6 Core Values
BE
THE BRANCH
Devotion
John 15:1-5
TAKE THE TOWEL
Service
John 13:3-7
BREAK THE BREAD
Community
Acts 2:42-47
EMPTY THE
JAR
Generosity
2 Kings 4:1-7
LEAVE THE NETS
Surrender
Mark 1:16-20
WRECK THE ROOF
Outreach
Luke 5:17-26
A Word From Pastor Darren….
When the Lord called me to this place 18 years ago, I had no idea the amazing people and experiences that would make up this adventure. Ministry, as you know, is full of ups and downs, days that feel impossible and mountaintop moments that make it all worthwhile. Serving Jesus alongside the people of this church, continues to be one of the greatest honors of my life.
While ministry at Current has changed over the years, spiritual transformation in the lives of people has been constant. God’s Spirit has developed in this church body, a hunger for God’s Word, authentic worship and a joy in serving. Ever-deepening relationships and community among the people bring all of that together in a really special and beautiful way.
On February 8, 2026 the Elders announced to the congregation the search had begun for an Associate Pastor who would, at the proper time, become the Lead Pastor here at Current.
Just as God brought me into this role nearly 2 decades ago, He is now walking me into a new season of life: ministry in the marketplace. It’s a passion and drive I’ve had from a young age. I’m excited about the future of this church - and just as excited about what God will do in my personal story as I launch into a new adventure. If I were continuing in a Lead Pastor role, I would finish out the next 12-15 years of my career, right here at Current. There is not another church anywhere I’d rather pastor.
Current - A Christian Church, represents an incredible opportunity for eternity-shaping Kingdom impact. A gift like this should not be entrusted to just anyone. Perhaps you’re the man He’s been preparing for this one-of-a-kind adventure.
The Opportunity
This is a unique succession opportunity designed to ensure a healthy transition.
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The Pathway: The role begins as an Associate Pastor, working closely with our departing Lead Pastor and our Elder Team during a 3–6 month transition overlap.
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The Transition: Advancement to the Lead Pastor role is a guided process based on collaborative, prayerful discernment by the Elder Team, rather than an automatic promotion. Once the transition is complete, the current Lead Pastor will exit his former role, allowing you the freedom and clarity to lead with vision and confidence.
Key Responsibilities
During the Associate Phase:
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Build deep, authentic relationships with the staff, elders, and congregation.
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Preach and teach regularly on the main stage and in other venues.
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Learn the rhythms, systems, and leadership structures of Current.
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Engage deeply in the Greater Katy community.
As Lead Pastor:
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Serve as the primary vision caster and spiritual leader of the church.
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Preach regularly (typically 40–45 times per year).
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Lead, shepherd, and develop the church staff in a collaborative culture.
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Work alongside the Elder Team in shepherding and governance.
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Champion a renewed, evangelistic focus on our local mission field.
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking a biblically grounded, team-first leader who models the heart of a servant-leader—one who is humble, highly relational, and emotionally intelligent.
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Theological Alignment: Rooted in the Restoration Movement and currently serving in a similar church context. You must align with our high view of Scripture (primarily expository preaching), complementarian theology, weekly communion, and believer's baptism.
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Experience: 8+ years of full-time ministry experience, including preaching and staff leadership, with a long runway of ministry ahead of you.
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Character: Meets the biblical qualifications of an Elder outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
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Leadership: A proven track record of building healthy teams, collaborating with elders, and catalyzing evangelistic outreach.
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Education: Bible college and/or seminary education is required (Restoration Movement affiliation preferred).
Meet our Team
Ed Winegar
Elder
Rich Henning
Elder
Dave Palazzolo
Elder
Andrew Giest
Lead Worship Minister
Greg Rupley
Discipleship Minister
Dylan Klinge
Student Minister
Joel Cain
Men's Ministry Coordinator
Facility & Grounds Director
Tiffany Wright
Women's Minister
Operations & Communications Director
April Zieschang
Pathway Director
Jen Henning
Early Childhood Ministry
Angelique Todar
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Chris Bailey
Production Director
CJ Wilkins
Production Assistant
Sam Burmaster
Finance Administrator
Deb Harbin
Administrative Assistant
Chris Castleman
Facility & Grounds
Patsie Lockett
Hospitality Coordinator
Garrett Johnson
Facility & Grounds
Art Betancourt
Facility & Grounds
Step 1
Connection
The journey begins with your initial application. Along with your resume, we ask that you complete our Doctrinal Questionnaire. This helps us ensure that we are aligned on the core theological foundations that drive our ministry.
Step 2
Deepening the Conversation
Candidates moving forward will be invited to share additional background information and provide teaching or sermon media. We want to hear your heart for the Word and see how you communicate the Gospel in a practical, engaging way.
Step 3
Interviews
In this stage, we’ll host a series of interviews (virtual or in-person if local) to get to know you better. We may conduct as many conversations as necessary to explore your ministry philosophy, leadership style, and how your gifts might flourish within our specific church context.
Step 4
Site Visit
Relationship is at the heart of what we do. This stage involves in-person site visits. Our Elders may travel to see you in your current ministry environment (if possible), and we will bring you and your spouse to our campus. This is a time for intentional meetings with our Search Team, staff, Elders, and Deacons.
Step 5
Final Candidacy and
Discernment
The final stage is a comprehensive on-site visit for your entire family. This typically includes a live preaching opportunity and final interviews. This is the culmination of our time together, often leading to a formal call or offer as we seek God's final peace on the appointment.