Andy Stanley Announces Transition from North Point Leadership

Andy Stanley, the 68-year-old founder of North Point Ministries, has announced his intention to step down from his leadership roles at the Georgia-based megachurch. Stanley plans to vacate his position as senior pastor of the ministry network in January 2027, followed by his departure as lead pastor of North Point Community Church in June 2027. He stated that the decision is motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family and a belief that the organization requires younger leadership to guide its future vision.

Despite stepping down from his primary roles, Stanley intends to remain a church elder and will continue to preach at the church periodically. The board of elders has nominated Joel Thomas, the current executive director of North Point Ministries, as his successor. A congregational vote regarding Thomas’s appointment is currently underway, with eligible members casting ballots through October 30. Thomas previously served as lead pastor at the Alpharetta campus from 2011 to 2015 and later led Mission Community Church in Arizona.