The Ministry Need

When TerraNova Church began searching for its next Teaching Pastor, they were looking for more than someone who could preach on Sundays. They were looking for a leader who could help advance their mission of making God’s love famous and help people take meaningful next steps in following Jesus.

The right person needed to bring strong biblical communication, a relational approach to ministry, and a genuine desire to connect with people across different stages of faith – including those who are exploring Christianity, returning to church, or looking for deeper community.

About TerraNova Church

Located in Irvine, California, TerraNova Church is a gospel-centered community focused on helping people find and follow Jesus.

TerraNova’s vision is built around creating a church environment that is accessible, warm, and engaging – where people from all backgrounds can experience community, ask honest questions, and grow in their relationship with Christ.

Their approach centers on communicating the message of Jesus in a way that is clear, practical, and connected to everyday life.

The Search Process

Throughout the search process, MinistryHub partnered closely with TerraNova Church to identify ministry leaders who were not only highly qualified but also aligned with the church’s vision and mission. It was encouraging to see how many candidates were drawn to TerraNova’s heart for reaching people both inside and outside the church.

As conversations progressed, several strong candidates emerged. The challenge was finding someone whose experience, communication style, and ministry philosophy aligned with what TerraNova was seeking for this important leadership role.

One candidate stood out through the process as someone who connected deeply with TerraNova’s mission and values. As discussions continued, it became clear that the fit extended beyond experience. It was about a shared vision for ministry and a genuine alignment with the church’s culture and calling. Through its thoughtful search process, MinistryHub helped guide the church toward the perfect leader in less than two months!

The Perfect Hire

Joshua Harrison brought extensive preaching experience along with a passion for communicating Scripture in a way that helps people understand, apply, and respond to God’s Word.

His ministry approach reflected many of the qualities TerraNova prioritized throughout the search: biblical clarity, authenticity, accessibility, and practical application.

Beyond the pulpit, he also demonstrated a relational style of leadership and a desire to invest in people personally. His ability to connect with diverse audiences and build meaningful relationships made him a strong fit for TerraNova’s culture.

Being familiar with the Southern California ministry context also provided valuable insight into the communities TerraNova hopes to serve.

Most importantly, there was a clear alignment between TerraNova’s desire to reach people and his passion for helping others encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.

Looking For Your Next Leader

This search was about more than filling a Teaching Pastor position. It was about connecting a church with a leader who shares its vision and can help carry that mission forward.

We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with TerraNova Church throughout this process and to witness the connection that developed between their ministry goals and his gifts and experience.

We are excited to see how God continues to work through TerraNova Church as they continue making His love famous and helping people find and follow Jesus.

If your church, Christian school, or faith-based nonprofit is preparing for a leadership transition, we’d love to learn about your search and explore how we can serve your team. Reach out today to start the conversation and learn more about our recruiting and executive search services.