A Special Announcement from Pastor Jerry Sweat 

Dear Beach Church,

If you have been around Beach a while, you have heard me say more than once that there is no retirement in the Kingdom of God. We remain on-mission disciples of Jesus until our last breath. But one can and should retire at some point from a paid, full-time vocation, and now is the time for me.

For several years I have given much thought and prayer to when the right time would be. Denise has been teasing me: "Jerry, everytime someone asks you about retirement…you have been telling people “sometime in the next three years.” The only problem is that you have been saying that for about a decade now!"

So, here’s the deal. I will be 67 years old this February and fully into the 4th quarter of my life. In this season I want to spend more time with my grandkids. With God’s help, I would love to publish a couple of books I have written. And of course, to travel some with my wife. One of the most important callings that God has been placing right in front of me is the opportunity to pour into some of the young senior pastors in our Jax community and beyond.

First and foremost, I want you to know that for me and Denise, it has been an honor and privilege to serve this great community of faith for almost 25 years. You have been such an amazing faith family for my family, and we have seen God do some pretty amazing things. but it is time to pass the baton of leadership to the next senior pastor of Beach.

this will be the first time in our almost 90-year history that we will be choosing our lead pastor. All previous pastors were appointed to Beach by our previous denomination that we left in 2023. The leadership board, of which I am a part, has been working on a succession plan for about a year. We will be signing a contract soon with the best executive search firm in the country-Vanderbloemen- who will help us find our next lead pastor.

Between now and the end of the year, we will be working w/Vanderbloemen to define the most important traits we want in our next senior pastor and develop a profile for Beach Church. The search will officially begin in January of 2027, and it will most likely take from 6 to 8 months to complete. The board is in process of selecting a search team that will work w/Vanderbloemen to narrow down a field of top qualifying candidates that best match our church. The Leadership Board will make final decision on next lead pastor of Beach.

As many of you know, we have been seeing God at work in powerful ways, and I am excited for the season ahead. The best days for Beach are still to come!

My biggest request is for you to be in prayer for the search team and our board-for wisdom and discernment. We are praying that we will be surrendered to the work of the Holy Spirit in selecting our next lead pastor. And also, pray for our church as we go through this time of transition; that we would continue to pursue Jesus and live out our mission together with great passion.

As we live surrendered to Jesus and His mission, He will build His church! Thanks so much for your faithfulness and commitment to Jesus and to our mission together!

Pastor Jerry

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will it take to select a new lead pastor?

Once the search is officially begins, Vanderbloemen's track record is that a church finds its next lead pastor within 6-8 months. A thoughtful transition between Pastor Jerry and our new senior pastor will be established, with the specific approach determined as the new pastor is selected.

2. Who is on the search team, and who makes the final choice?

The leadership board of Beach Church will appoint a search team and that team will work with Vanderbloemen to build a pool of candidates who fit Beach Church's profile. Before the end of 2026, we will send out a congregational survey to get your valuable input regarding our next senior pastor, which will aid Vanderbloemen’s process in determining a profile for the perfect candidate for Beach. After carefully vetting the pool of qualified candidates submitted from Vanderbloemen, the leadership board will make the final selection.

3. What will Pastor Jerry do after he retires?

Pastor Jerry plans to spend time with his grandkids, finish a couple of books he has written, and enjoy some traveling with his wife, Denise. After some time away to give the new pastor room to begin leading, Denise and Jerry would love to make Beach their church home.

4. Why is Pastor Jerry retiring?

There is no retirement from the Kingdom of God, but there is such a thing as retiring from pastoring a church full-time for a paycheck. That being said, Pastor Jerry is almost 67 years old and ready to retire from full-time vocational ministry. We have accomplished so much for the Kingdom together and now it is time for a younger, proven leader to provide vision and leadership for years to come. Under proven leadership, Beach will continue to grow in missional reach and impact.

5. Will these changes affect the mission of our church?

Our Greater Things vision and mission to Reach, Raise Up and Release followers of Jesus who change the world does not change. Our goal for this next season is even greater impact for Jesus in our community! We will still be a church that preaches the gospel and lives out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. We will continue to be a church who values community, relationships, serving with no strings attached, while being welcoming all people.