Pastors John and Debbie Lindell to Step Down From James River Church
After more than 30 years as lead pastors of a southwest Missouri megachurch, the Lindell’s have begun the final stage in those roles.
The leadership transition for James River Church will take place over a four-year cycle that will see the Lindell’s sons and their daughters-in-law become co-lead pastors starting in 2027.
“One of the surprises in our ministry has been blessing and the joy of getting to work with our kids — David, Brandon and Savannah,” said Debbie Lindell, in the video. “When we started this journey, we honestly never imagined that it would be possible.”
John Lindell shared that he has watched his children become “great leaders and skilled communicators” in the 12 years of ministry they have worked together.
“What has been made clear is that God has prepared them, and is preparing them, for a new season of leadership,” he shared.
The elder Lindell’s are not leaving ministry, however, as they plan to stay on staff and continue to serve the church.
“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 clarified.
“When James River was starting, we knew it was with a mandate to reach the next generation. Through the years, your willingness to embrace change has helped keep the church vibrant and its ministry effective,” John shared to the church in the announcement.
“God’s hand is undeniably on James River Church. We are experiencing a historic move of God as more people are coming to Christ than ever before, more people are being baptized than ever before, and we are seeing unprecedented miracles of healing take place and the church, on top of all of that, is making a global impact. We’re excited about what this announcement means for the future of James River.”
James River Church has amassed a weekly crowd estimated around 12,000 parishioners, and has been the site of many declared miracles.
Recently, Charisma News reported on a woman who shared that her toes miraculously re-grew when guest speaker Bill Johnson of Bethel Redding asked if anyone was in need of a “creative miracle.”
After Johnson’s inquiry, 46-year-old Kristina Dines, who lost three toes in 2015 when her now ex-husband, Stephen Thompson, broke into her home with a 12-gauge shotgun and shot her, spoke up saying she needed three toes to grow back.
This miracle healing follows Lindell sharing multitudes of miracles taking place in April of 2022.
“Inoperable brain cancer, deafness, muscle tears, rotator cuff injuries, migraines, nerve injuries,” Lindell lists. “People are coming from around the country to simply be prayed over . . . in some services we just have people move to stand in the aisle, and they’re being healed!”
With a firm, clearly communicated and God-ordained plan in place for the succession in leadership at James River, congregants can expect God to continue His amazing move at their church in the days to come. {eoa}
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**Published in April 2023**
James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
