After more than three decades of dedicated service, Pastor John Lindell and his wife Debbie have announced a significant leadership transition at James River Church. The megachurch, which has grown to encompass multiple campuses across Ozark, Springfield, and Joplin, will see a generational shift as the Lindells prepare to step back from their roles as lead pastors.
In a heartfelt video message broadcast on Sunday, the Lindells shared their plans for a gradual transition over the next four years. By 2027, their sons, David and Brandon Lindell, along with their wives Becky and Beth, will assume the mantle of co-lead pastors. Debbie Lindell expressed the unexpected joy of working alongside their children in ministry, noting, “When we started this journey, we honestly never imagined that it would be possible.”
David and Brandon Lindell are no strangers to the church leadership. Having served in various capacities over the past twelve years, they have honed their skills and demonstrated their commitment to the church’s mission. Pastor John Lindell affirmed their readiness, stating, “God has prepared them, and is preparing them, for a new season of leadership.” Their daughter, Savannah, will also take on a vital role as executive ministry pastor, solidifying the family’s continued dedication to James River Church.
This transition is not an abrupt departure. John and Debbie Lindell emphasized that they will remain actively involved in the church, albeit in a new capacity. “When that transition takes place, John and I will continue to serve right here at James River Church on the team in a new role to help move the vision forward,” Debbie Lindell clarified. This commitment ensures continuity and provides reassurance to the congregation during this period of change.
Reflecting on the church’s journey, Pastor John Lindell highlighted the congregation’s adaptability as a key factor in James River Church’s enduring vibrancy and effective ministry. He reiterated the initial mandate to reach the next generation, a vision that this leadership transition directly supports.
In his closing remarks, Pastor John Lindell conveyed his profound belief in the divine guidance of James River Church. He celebrated the church’s current spiritual momentum, marked by increasing conversions, baptisms, and accounts of miraculous healings, underscoring its expanding global impact. This leadership transition appears to be strategically timed to build upon this existing momentum and propel James River Church into its next chapter under the capable leadership of the next generation of Lindells.
This planned succession signals a forward-thinking approach, ensuring the long-term health and continued growth of James River Church while honoring the legacy of Pastor John and Debbie Lindell’s impactful leadership.
