DEAR NCCTK family
We have some exciting news to share with you!
As you know, over 18 months ago we began a search for a new Senior Pastor. This search has been led by the Pastoral Search Committee, a subcommittee of our Church Council. From the very beginning, we have been committed to finding the right candidate for NCCTK — even if that meant the process took years — trusting fully in God's timing.
Throughout this journey, the Search Committee has prayerfully and diligently reviewed dozens of resumes and candidates, including those from professional search agencies. After a thorough and prayerful search process, we are pleased to announce that Luke Cunningham has been hired as our new Associate Pastor, effective September 1, 2026. I am so grateful for the faithful and dedicated service of our Pastoral Search Committee throughout this process.
Luke is an exceptionally gifted communicator, visionary, and leader — but more importantly, he is an authentic, humble lover of Jesus with a deep passion for reaching the lost and seeing God transform lives. He brings over 20 years of ministry experience and has led churches at the highest level. Luke has a heart for worship, discipleship, missions, and community — all of which are central to the DNA of NCCTK. Luke and his wife Anna have four school-age children and are eager to put down roots here and make Lynden home.
Together with the Search Committee and Luke, we felt it would be best to begin with a transition period of approximately a year. Because we are in the unique position of having a consistent Senior Pastor, we have the gift of time to do this transition well. This year will allow Luke and his family to settle into the community, build relationships with the staff and congregation, and get their children established in school. Luke and Anna are also blessed with two children who have special needs, and this transition year will give their family the space and care needed to adjust well to a new environment.
At the end of this period, Luke will step into the role of Senior Pastor, and I will move into the Associate Pastor role. I want you to know how genuinely exciting this is for me — this shift will allow me to focus more deeply on my gifts of counseling and care.
We are grateful for your patience throughout this journey and for the prayers so many of you have faithfully offered along the way. We believe God has led us to the right person for this next chapter, and we look forward to this new and exciting season at NCCTK.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." — Ephesians 3:20
In Christ,
