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North Point’s Andy Stanley plans leadership handoff in 2027
Andy Stanley says he will leave his senior pastor role at North Point Ministries next year but continue preaching and serving on the elders board. Church elders have nominated Joel Thomas as his successor, with a congregational vote scheduled for Nov. 1.
Andy Stanley announced Sunday that he plans to step down from his leadership roles at North Point Ministries next year, beginning a transition at one of metro Atlanta’s largest churches.
Stanley made the announcement during services at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta. He said he will remain on the Board of Elders and continue preaching as part of the church’s pastor rotation.
“I’m retiring from my job, but I’m not retiring from ministry,” Stanley said. “I’m not going to disappear.” He said leaving his leadership positions will give him more time with his family and grandchildren.
The elders have nominated Joel Thomas to succeed Stanley as senior pastor, according to the church’s leadership plan. The congregation is scheduled to vote on the nomination Nov. 1, with the result to be announced during services, the plan says.
Stanley has led North Point since its founding in 1995. The church grew from a single congregation in Alpharetta into a network of churches serving the Atlanta area. Stanley is the son of the late Charles Stanley, the longtime pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta and a prominent evangelical broadcaster.
The transition will separate Stanley’s continuing ministry work from the day-to-day leadership of North Point, while asking congregants to weigh in on the proposed successor.