Pastoral Succession Plan

HOPEWELL CPCA PASTORAL SUCCESSION PLAN

HOPEWELL

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN

AMERICA

1600 First St. - P. O. Box 493

Leighton, Alabama 35646

Ph. 256 – 446 - 6659

E-Mail: hopewellcumberla@bellsouth.net

Website: hopewellcpca.org

“A CHURCH WHERE GOD AND PEOPLE COME FIRST”

Ministers

Rev. Clifford Malone-Hollins— Pastor

Rev. Joyce B. Johnson - Asst. Pastor

Rev. John D. Haley, Jr.—Pastor Emeritus

Stated Clerk Pastor Finance

Otis L. Johnson Rev. Clifford Malone-Hollins Diane Hillman

1014 Hemlock St. 364 Weatherford Drive, NW Mary Freeman

Tuscumbia, AL 35674 Madison, AL 35757 Terrence Ingram

(256) 762-1378 (256) 457-7591 Marion Martin

Sandra Aycock

Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church In America, Inc.

1600 First Street

P. O. Box 493

Leighton, AL 35646

Phone No. (256) 446 – 6659

E-Mail: hopewellcumberla@bellsouth.net

Website: hopewellcpca.org

July 30, 2025

Announcement:

The leadership and congregation of Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America in Leighton, Alabama, are prayerfully engaged in a season of pastoral succession. This process is being approached with deep reverence for the legacy of faithful ministry that has shaped our church and with a spirit of expectancy for the future God is preparing for us.

As we navigate this sacred transition, we look to the biblical example of Moses and Joshua for inspiration and guidance. In Deuteronomy 31 and Joshua 1, we see Moses, having faithfully led God’s people through the wilderness, entrusting the next phase of leadership to Joshua. This act was not simply a transfer of authority—it was a deliberate, God-ordained succession rooted in mentorship, spiritual preparation, and communal affirmation.

Likewise, at Hopewell CPCA, our current pastoral leadership is actively involved in preparing the way for the next shepherd of this congregation. We are committed to ensuring a smooth, Spirit-led transition that honors the past, celebrates the present, and anticipates the future work of God in our midst. This includes:

Intentional Mentorship and Guidance from outgoing leadership to help steward the vision and values of the church;
Transparent Communication with the presbytery, congregation, and all interested candidates throughout the process;
Prayerful Discernment as a community seeking God’s will for the right individual to lead us into the next season of ministry;
A Spirit of Continuity and Growth, where the new pastor builds upon a strong foundation with fresh vision and energy.

We invite all who are discerning a call to pastoral ministry to consider whether God might be leading them to Hopewell CPCA. We also ask for your prayers and partnership as we walk together in faith, trusting that just as the Lord was with Moses and then with Joshua, so He will be with us—leading us forward with strength and courage.

"For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Below is a possible procedure for being “a Moses” to a prospective pastor for Hopewell. We ask for your blessing and approval.

Step 1: As a Session, pray about this proposal. Set a particular time for us to come together (by phone, before Sunday School, etc.) in prayer about the proposal. (Proverbs 3:5-6)-- Done

Step 2: Meet with and inform the congregation of the vision.

(Deut. 31:1-2)---Done

Step 3: Prayerfully recruit a minister who is teachable and can see him or herself as pastor of Hopewell in the future. We are seeking an energetic and innovative person. All applicants are welcome and will be evaluated. They will preach once a month/$150.00 monthly plus training expenses including being taught in Cumberland Presbyterian in America doctrine). This person should teach Sunday School once a month.

Step 4: Minister introduced and ordained by the Florence Presbytery and called by Hopewell as an associate pastor. Salary ? He or she will attend regular church Session, Preach once a month, teach Sunday School, visit membership, and be involved in the community.

Membership will be periodically informed as to where we are in the process and receive questions and comments from the congregation and establish a Search Committee (volunteers). Membership for the committee: Representative from Mission and Evangelism Ministry, Christian Education Ministry, Worship Ministry, Finance Committee, Member at Large, Youth/Young Adult plus all session members.

(Exodus 17:8-13)

Step 5: Call said minister to Hopewell as pastor – TBD/contract.

NOTE: If you are interested in becoming an applicant, please contact the stated clerk, Elder Otis L. Johnson, at 256-762-1378 or go to Hopewells website

hopewellcumberla@bellsouth.net and download the application, fill it out, and send it to HopewellCPCA at PO Box 493 Leighton, AL 35646

(Joshua 1:1-9)

Reverend Clifford Malone-Hollins, Moderator__________________________

Eld. Otis L. Johnson, Stated Clerk ____________________________________

P. O. Box 493, Leighton, AL35646.

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