Pastoral Transition

Updates on our current pastoral search + appointment process 

Pastoral Transition

In January 2026, Pastor Ron announced his retirement from Lead Pastor of Canby Foursquare Church after 37 fruitful and powerful years in this role. His last Sunday will be Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Vibrant ministry continues with Pastors Ron & Annette alongside the well-equipped staff of pastors, an incredible team of volunteers, a committed community, and our vision fixed on Jesus Christ.

Through prayer, a thorough vetting, and with Spirit-led vision, our next lead pastor will be appointed by our Foursquare District Leadership. Canby Foursquare pastors, church council, and key leadership will contribute wisdom, insight, and prayerful vision to this pastoral appointment.

Read below for updates from our pastoral team and the timeline of our pastoral transition.

The Process

 Below you’ll find a brief overview of the pastoral transition process. But first, there are a couple of initial things to know that will help you understand the process:

Definitions:
• Canby Foursquare is part of the Northwest District of The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel (Foursquare).
• The Northwest District is currently led by Steve Mickel, who has been walking with Canby Foursquare as Pastor Ron began to discern his pastoral transition. Steve Mickel is an ordained Foursquare pastor, pastoring most recently in Bend, Oregon, at Westside Church. Pastor Steve is an incredible and trusted leader, well acquainted with transitional seasons, and a champion of the local church. 
• In this process overview, we will mention our Council and Elders. The Canby Foursquare Council is a group of trusted and prayerful individuals who lead in their respective, diverse fields outside of the church but serve the church through advisement, prayer, and expertise. Our elders are a team of prayer warriors who pray and intercede on behalf of Canby Foursquare, of individuals, of our city, and of our world. 

When a Foursquare church is in need of a new lead pastor, the church’s District Leadership Team appoints them to the role. But, before that happens, the district leaders work with the church staff, council, and elders to develop a pastoral profile. This is an important step to ensure that the District deeply understands the unique vision and mission of the church, as well as the character, competency, and chemistry required for the next pastor.

Ultimately, this is a Spirit-led process, and we, as a staff and congregation, along with the Foursquare District Leadership Team, are already praying together to discern with confidence the leading of the Spirit. We began this first part, building the pastoral profile, at the end of 2025.

RECOGNITION SERVICE 
March 29, 2026

This Palm Sunday, we'll be honoring those who have prepared the way with a Recognition Service.

Our church staff and council will be leading this special service and, in recognition of Pastor Ron's retirement, a time of honoring the Swors' 37 years of faithful ministry at Canby Foursquare Church. There will be a time during the service to exchange cards with Pastors Ron & Annette as well as a light reception following each service.

Our church council has shared more about this opportunity to honor our lead pastors in this letter to the congregation.

For questions, please reference our FAQ or email HonoringSwors2026@gmail.com.

March 29, 2026

On Palm Sunday, we'll be honoring those who have prepared the way with a Recognition Service.

Our church staff and council will be leading this special service and, in recognition of Pastor Ron's retirement, a time of honoring the Swors' 37 years of faithful ministry at Canby Foursquare Church. There will be a time during the service to exchange cards with Pastors Ron & Annette as well as a light reception following each service.

Our church council has shared more about this opportunity to honor our lead pastors in this letter to the congregation.

For questions, please reference our FAQ or email HonoringSwors2026@gmail.com.

january 20, 2026
On  Tuesday, January 20th, we held a Congregational Meeting to worship, pray and hear from our Canby Foursquare Church Council and the Foursquare Northwest District Team regarding the pastoral transition and appointment process.
You can view a recording of the meeting here.
january 11, 2026
Pastor Ron shared that he will be retiring from his role as lead pastor of Canby Foursquare Church during the 9am & 11am Sunday morning services. His last Sunday will be Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.
You can read a letter from Pastor Ron here.
september - december, 2025

Pastor Ron shared that he will be transitioning from his role as lead pastor of Canby Foursquare church with the staff, council and leadership team. The council and pastoral staff worked with the Northwest District Team to create a pastoral profile. This profile is unique to Canby Foursquare and explores who the church is, who our community is, and the qualifications and gifts we're looking for in our next lead pastor.