F.A.Q.
Frequently asked questions…
Last Updated 4/20/2026
Freedom Church is in a season of pastoral transition. Our leadership chose to create this F.A.Q. with realtime updates through this season of transition. The information provided reflects the commonly asked real-time questions. We will keep this up to date and accurate. Please see below and feel free to reach out to leadership@findfreedom.church.
Who is Legacy Group?
The lay leadership has engaged the Legacy Transition Group to help us with transition. This is a well-respected team of pastors whose mission and ministry is caring for churches during the transition to a new lead pastor. https://www.legacytransitiongroup.com/
When will the congregation receive updates through this process?
Freedom's lay leadership intends to provide once-monthly updates during weekend services to keep the church body apprised of our progress.
Who is Pastor Don Barnes?
Don Barnes has served the kingdom of God as staff pastor and lead pastor in
three Assembly of God churches and as a presbyter, before taking on the role of
transition pastor. As lead pastor, he led two churches through growth and a total
of five building construction projects. He retired as lead pastor of Lawton First Assembly, Lawton, Oklahoma in August of 2022, after serving for almost thirty-two years.
He has since worked with Legacy Transition Group and successfully
helped a large church in Tulsa with their transition. He is a graduate of Central
Bible College and earned a master’s degree from Nelson University. Don and his
wife Linda have two children.
What is Legacy group’s role in selection of the transition pastor?
Legacy takes input from church leaders and advisors (the PAC) and assigns a transition pastor.
What is a Transition Pastor?
A transition pastor takes the mantle of lead pastor during the period between lead pastors. This involves most of the responsibilities of the lead pastor in directing the church, helping our staff, filling the pulpit, and working with lay leadership.
The transition pastor is focused on helping us move to our next leader and prepare the church to move forward with a new shepherd.
How long will we have a transition pastor?
There is no fixed schedule. Transition usually takes at least six months, but it can take longer.
How can interested candidates submit their information and resume for consideration?
Candidates may submit their information to pastorresumes@findfreedom.church. If you would like a candidate to be considered, please provide them with this address so they can submit their information directly.
How can we help our future pastor know more about Freedom Church and its congregation?
Please fill out this anonymous survey which gathers information about our church body which will be very helpful to our future lead pastor. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZZ36HDG
How does the PAC work with Legacy in selecting the new lead pastor?
Throughout this season, Legacy will lead us through the following phases:
Phase 1: Create a Candidate Profile
Phase 2: Recommendations of Candidates
Phase 3: Review [Listening to Sermons]
Phase 4: Narrow the List to 4-6 Candidates
Phase 5: Site Visits
Phase 6: Personal Interviews
Phase 7: Present Single Candidate to the Church
Legacy will conduct a wide search and provide screened candidates to the PAC. The PAC will consult with lay leaders and church staff about criteria for selecting a candidate. The PAC will present a candidate.
Could you provide information on our PAC (Pastoral Advisory Council)?
Our Pastoral Advisory Council have been activated into this process and are currently walking with Freedom Church through this transition. Pastors Mike Robertson and Darius Johnston are the members of our PAC and have made themselves available to support and serve through these days.
Mike Robertson | mikedrobertson77@gmail.com
Darius Johnston | djohnston@movementmakers.net