The Search Committee has worked diligently the past 18 months, researching, interviewing and listening to possible candidates. At this point, we feel we've exhausted the possibilities readily available through typical channels. The Elders have approved the engagement of Vanderbloemen, a church staffing agency, to help aid in the search for our teaching pastor.
During this process, we made the decision (with Elder approval) to assign the Senior Pastor responsibilities across two positions: lead pastor and teaching pastor (click the link below to read the June 25 announcement from the committee).
Lead Pastor (approved 7/18): Andrew Vanover
Teaching Pastor Candidate: TBD
Read the Job Description and Apply HERE
Teaching Pastor Candidate: TBD
Read the Job Description and Apply HERE
Interested in becoming our next teaching pastor?
We welcome the opportunity to get to you know you better and prayerfully consider if God is leading us to start this next chapter together.
We welcome the opportunity to get to you know you better and prayerfully consider if God is leading us to start this next chapter together.
For Your Information
Click on images below to download/view PDF files.
MEet the Lead Pastor

Andrew Vanover, Lead Pastor
At a special meeting on July 18, the congregation approved the calling of Andrew Vanover to the Lead Pastor position at Thornapple. We are thrilled to be moving into Thornapple's next chapter with Pastor Andrew and whoever God is preparing as our Teaching Pastor.
Watch Pastor Andrew's interview clips
Candidate Forum (July 12 Recording)
Jul 12, 2021 • Andrew Vanover
Church Forum (July 8 Recording)
Jul 8, 2021
What is Vision?
Andrew Vanover
Vision Starts with Telling the Truth
Andrew Vanover
What is Thornapple's Way Forward?
Andrew Vanover
What should we be running from/toward as Christians?
Andrew Vanover
Spiritual Formation
Andrew Vanover
Top Personal Traits
Andrew Vanover
Partner with Us in Prayer
- May we listen well to the counsel of the Holy Spirit and each other.
- May we discern God’s will and the will of the congregation.
- May the team stay focused on identifying and finding the very best candidate.
- May we see God clearly working through the process.
Senior Pastor Search Committee
Chair: Sue Smith
Members: Michelle Bennett (staff), Todd Drenth, Susan Harrell, Kim Hoekstra, Jim Knight, Brian Peneycad, Beth Read, Jim Smith (Elder), Roy Williams
Chair: Sue Smith
Members: Michelle Bennett (staff), Todd Drenth, Susan Harrell, Kim Hoekstra, Jim Knight, Brian Peneycad, Beth Read, Jim Smith (Elder), Roy Williams
