A TRUSTWORTHY
PROCESS

Through prayer, careful discernment, and guidance from leadership experts, we’ve followed God’s leading to prepare Scottsdale Bible Church’s next senior pastor. Since Pastor Jamie spoke to our Elders five years ago about an orderly, appropriate transition, every step has been designed to honor God, care for our church, and move us confidently into the future.

Five years ago, before beginning this transition, we sought wisdom from trusted experts in leadership transition. At the same time, we began gathering leaders to pray, discern, and plan for what succession might look like, and for the kind of leader God would call to shepherd us into the future.

We consulted with Jim Tomberlin, founder of MultiSite Solutions and an expert in succession planning for multisite churches, and with the Slingshot Group, a trusted organization that helps churches identify leaders who align with their unique culture. Both spent time understanding our vision, culture, and needs before offering valuable insight and best practices to guide us forward.

As part of the process, we carefully followed our church bylaws regarding how a senior pastor is called. We also refreshed our Senior Pastor Profile brochure, outlining our church’s vision, mission, and culture, along with the qualities we believe God requires in a leader who will continue to grow a vibrant ministry. Above all, it emphasized our commitment to discern God’s leading at every step.

After much prayer, consultation, and evaluation of potential candidates, our Elders and leadership team all believe Rustin is God’s choice to lead us into our next chapter of ministry.

PREPARING FOR
HIS NEW ROLE

To prepare for this calling, Rustin completed a rigorous ordination process that was above and beyond what we would require of an outside candidate. It included extensive theological study, interviews with faith leaders beyond Scottsdale Bible Church, doctrinal examination, meetings with Elders, and multiple rounds of evaluation.

One of the most demanding steps was a three-hour interview, testing his doctrinal depth, ministry strategies, leadership strengths, and readiness to serve as senior pastor.

Throughout the process, leaders and consultants alike were struck by Rustin’s gift for expository teaching, his shepherd’s heart, and his ability to delegate and empower others. He champions a Christ-focused culture, casts vision with clarity, and leads with both humility and strength.

His unique combination of character, spiritual gifts, and strategic leadership has prepared him to carry our church’s mission forward into the next chapter of our shared story.

About Rustin’s Ordination Process

A THOUGHTFUL
PROCESS
FOR A NEW CHAPTER

Preparing for this next chapter has required prayer, wisdom, and intentional effort. Every step has been designed to honor God, care for our people, and ensure clarity for the road ahead. Here are some of the key steps already completed:

  • Assembled succession, administrative, communication, and other leadership teams

  • Developed and implemented a membership verification plan

  • Finalized and refined the senior pastor job description

  • Created Care Teams for both Rustin and Jamie’s families

  • Assembled a Prayer Team and launched a comprehensive prayer strategy

  • Planned Elder, Jamie, and Rustin engagements across Scottsdale Bible Church campuses

  • Built this transition website to share updates and document the story

  • Created “Chapters” videos and lobby displays to creatively tell the story 

  • Developed print materials about the succession and senior pastor search process

  • Formed a team to host former Scottsdale Bible Church pastors

  • Determined a voting plan for members

  • Scheduled informational meetings for staff and members

  • Convened a Council of Elders meeting to involve past leaders

  • Crafted a media strategy and press releases

Our Church Leadership

Voting Process

Monday, February 23, 2026

Current members who are active as of January 11, 2026 will be invited to participate in the vote on this decision starting February 23. The vote will be conducted via email with personalized links to vote anonymously. Our Bylaws stipulate guidelines for the voting process as well as the membership process.

VOTING PROCESS
MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

Questions? 

We invite you to bring your questions and comments to your Scottsdale Bible Church Elders on scheduled dates at each campus. If you are unable to attend these meetings and would like to have a conversation, you can contact us at succession@scottsdalebible.com. 

Events & Updates

Scottsdale Bible Church Bylaws