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North Point congregation to vote on Joel Thomas as Andy Stanley’s successor
Andy Stanley plans to retire from his leadership posts at North Point Ministries in 2027, while continuing to preach and serve the church network. He has recommended executive director Joel Thomas as his successor, pending a congregational vote expected Nov. 1.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Andy Stanley plans to leave his senior leadership roles at North Point Ministries in 2027, setting up a transition for the Atlanta-area church network he has led for decades.
Stanley announced the plan Sunday, Oct. 18, and recommended Joel Thomas, the ministry’s executive director, to succeed him as senior pastor. The congregation is expected to vote on Thomas, with results to be announced Nov. 1.
If approved, Thomas would take over as senior pastor of North Point Ministries on Jan. 1, 2027. Stanley plans to remain lead pastor of North Point Community Church until May 2027, when Thomas is expected to assume that role as well.
Stanley said he and his wife, Sandra, began discussing his departure about four and a half years ago. He said the timing would allow the organization to prepare for new leadership and give him more time with his grandchildren.
“I’m retiring from my job, but I’m not retiring from ministry,” Stanley said.
He plans to continue preaching at North Point churches, act as an ambassador for the network and possibly remain on its board of elders. North Point has eight campuses in the Atlanta area, according to Stanley, and has expanded into a network of churches over the past three decades.
Stanley is the son of the late Atlanta pastor Charles Stanley. The transition would separate his ongoing ministry work from the network’s top leadership and day-to-day pastoral roles.