The Elders’ Recommendation of Tracy Thomas
as Main Auditorium Teaching Minister
As we continue growing as a church and moving forward together, we want to underscore an important aspect of our leadership structure. Second Church operates under the biblical leadership structure of Elders. We believe this plurality of leadership model gives us spiritual depth, discernment, and accountability as we lead our church forward. All decisions made by the Elders are consensus-based, meaning they are unanimous.
Since becoming a two-venue church in 2014, we have expanded our leadership model to include a second tier: the Senior Leadership Team. The Senior Leadership Team comprises three ministers who report directly to, and work alongside, the Elders. This team operates under the same shared leadership and consensus-based decision-making.
For the past several months, Tracy Thomas has served faithfully as our Interim Main Service Teaching Minister. After prayer, evaluation, and unified discernment, the Elders - along with Next Gen Teaching Minister, Kiley Garrison, and Executive Minister, Dale DeNeal - believe the Lord is leading us to affirm Tracy as the permanent Main Service Teaching Minister and the third member of our Senior Leadership Team.
Tracy has served Second Church for more than three years on staff in discipleship and teaching. He is a man of God, a trusted shepherd, and a deeply respected leader among our staff, volunteers, and congregation. We are grateful for his heart, his humility, and his calling to serve our church in this role.
Congregational Vote
The next step is a congregational vote to affirm Tracy as our Main Service Teaching Minister and as a Senior Leadership Team member on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
In the coming week, we will post additional information about Tracy, his ministry, and this voting process so you can pray and prepare.
Church family, thank you for your unity, courage, and love for Christ during this season of growth. We are excited for all God is doing and for the ways He is leading Second Church of Christ into the future.
FAQ's
Why are the Elders recommending Tracy for this role?
After months of prayer, evaluation, and collaboration among the Elders and the Senior Leadership Team, there is strong unity and confidence that Tracy’s experience, spiritual maturity, and leadership make him the right person to serve as our permanent Main Service Teaching Minister.
How does this role fit within Second Church’s leadership model?
Second Church of Christ has a two-tiered leadership structure that begins with Elders. The next tier is the Senior Leadership Team, comprised of three ministers: the Next Gen Teaching Minister, the Main Service Teaching Minister, and the Executive Minister. Tracy will serve on this Senior Leadership Team.
Why is Tracy not the Lead or Senior Minister?
Several years ago, the Elders chose to adopt a shared leadership model (the Senior Leadership Team) instead of a solo senior leader. The Senior Leadership Team structure best fits the two-venue model. Additionally, this shared leadership structure provides healthy wisdom, accountability, and collaboration.
How long has Tracy served at Second Church?
Tracy has faithfully served Second Church for more than three years, most recently as our Discipleship Minister, and has been serving as the Interim Main Service Teaching Minister since September 2025.
When will the congregation vote?
The vote to affirm Tracy as Main Service Teaching Minister and Senior Leadership Team member will take place on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in both venues.
How does this relate to the Room For You initiative?
The Elders believe that affirming Tracy in this role provides stability and clarity as our Main Service prepares for the worship service venue exchange on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. Both steps reflect our commitment to mission, unity, and faithful leadership.
What will happen with Tracy’s previous role as Discipleship Minister?
Tracy will continue to give oversight to Discipleship Ministry in the immediate future as the Elders and Senior Leadership Team discern what the next staff role will look like.
Who can I contact with questions?
You can reach out anytime to roomforyou@secondchurch.com. The Elders and Senior Leadership Team are reading and responding to all messages.
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