Called Together
Our pastoral transition: what the church has decided, and what comes next
We are one body, called to walk this season together. And we trust that the Holy Spirit is already calling the pastor who will lead us next. This page is the plan the church has set, so everyone can see where we are and what comes next.
The church has voted
On Sunday, August 23, Northeast Baptist Church voted to call Dr. Preston Collins as our Transitional Pastor. He begins Sunday, October 18.
Where we are
Dr. Preston Collins will serve as our Transitional Pastor from October 18, 2026 through January 10, 2027. During those weeks he will preach our Sunday services and lead the congregation through eight guided discussions as we consider together who we are and what God is calling us to next. Toward the close of that season, the church will select a Pastor Search Committee and the search for our next pastor will begin.
The road ahead
This is not a countdown. Calling a pastor will take as long as it takes. We would far rather wait on the man God has called than hurry to fill a pulpit.
Who is Dr. Preston Collins
A member of Northeast Baptist Church
Executive Director of the Union Baptist Association
Has led ten churches through this same process
Will not be a candidate for our pastorate. He is here to help us find our pastor, not to become one.
This service falls outside his duties with the Union Baptist Association. He serves this church, on terms this church has set.
What he will do
Preach both Sunday morning services, 8:15 and 10:50
Lead the eight discussion sessions
Take part in staff meetings periodically, and meet with deacons as they request
He will not carry pastoral care. That stays with our deacons, and that is by design.
The discussions
Eight sessions, up to ninety minutes each, held apart from our worship services. Times will be announced. Come to as many as you are able.
Look Up: We ask God to show us the one He has already called.
Look Back: We tell our story honestly and name what God has done here.
Look Around: We look at who we are today and at the community around us.
Look Forward: We put words to what God is calling us to, and to the pastor who can lead us there.
Dates: October 18 and 25; November 1, 8, and 22; December 6 and 13; January 10.
How our ministry continues
Very little about the daily life of this church changes.
Administration: Associate Pastor Cody Wells. Budget, business meetings, staff, and the ordinary work of keeping the church running.
Pastoral care: The deacons. Visiting the sick, sitting with the grieving, praying with those in need.
Preaching: Guest preachers through October 11, then Dr. Collins.
What each of us can do
Pray, and pray earnestly. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 (NIV). Pray for these discussions, for our search committee, and for the man God has already called.
Stay connected to a Sunday school class. In a season like this, our classes are where the week to week care of this church happens. If you are not in one, this is the year to join.
Come to the discussions. What the church says in those rooms becomes what our search committee carries to every candidate.
Keep inviting people to Northeast. The doors are open and the welcome has not changed.
Pray
Use this prayer guide to pray with us through this season of pastoral transition.
Please tell us
If there is a hospitalization, a death in the family, a need in your home, or a prayer request, tell your Sunday school teacher, any deacon, or the church office at (405) 366-8391. Nothing falls through the cracks except what nobody tells us about. Please do not assume we already know. Submit a prayer request
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)
905 E. Rock Creek Road, Norman, Oklahoma 73071 | (405) 366-8391 | nebaptist.com