Updates
Lead Pastor Transition
Parkview Family,
We are writing to share an important leadership transition at Parkview Christian Church.
Our Lead Pastor, Ted Max, will be stepping down from his role as Lead Pastor. We are deeply grateful for Pastor Ted, who has faithfully served Parkview over the past 20 months, communicating God’s Word with passion and clarity.
Pastor Ted will continue to serve as part of the Parkview teaching team while he discerns the next steps in his ministry journey. As he transitions into this new chapter, we deeply appreciate the lasting impact his teaching has had on our community. While this marks the end of one season, it is not the end of our shared mission to love and serve Jesus together. Pastor Ted will always remain a cherished part of our family.
Please join us in celebrating his legacy and praying for continued blessings on him and his family as they embark on this next phase of their journey. Thank you, Pastor Ted, for your faithful service to our church. You will forever be a part of our story.
You can view Pastor Ted’s announcement here:
Lead Pastor Transition FAQs
As we receive questions about this transition, we will update our FAQs to address common concerns from our congregation.
Why is Ted Leaving?
As Pastor Ted has shared, after 20 months and much discussion, he and the Parkview Board mutually agreed that the role of Lead Pastor at Parkview is not the best fit for him or for the church.
Is There More to the Story?
It’s natural for a lead pastor transition to prompt this question. The Parkview Board and Pastor Ted want to be absolutely clear: there is no moral failure, scandal, or theological disagreement behind this decision. The board unanimously affirms Pastor Ted for his faithful work in communicating the Gospel during his tenure at Parkview.
Is the Direction of the Church Changing?
The direction of the church is not changing. Parkview remains committed to our mission to reach people with God’s love, raise them to be like Jesus, and release them to change the world.
How Long Will Ted Be Here?
We will keep you updated as Pastor Ted’s plans become clearer.
Who Will Be Teaching?
Pastor Ted will continue to teach, though with significantly reduced frequency. This adjustment will give him space to explore his next steps.
Pastor Todd Clark, a valued member of our teaching team for the past 10 years, will increase the number of weekends he teaches throughout the remainder of this year. We are grateful for his continued contribution.
Pastor Tim Harlow and Pastor Jodi Hickerson were already scheduled to participate in the 2025 teaching lineup, and Pastor Casey Tygrett will also contribute. Additionally, we’ll welcome a select group of guest speakers to enrich our teaching team.
How Will the Church Function Without a Designated Lead Pastor?
The Parkview Board, composed of lay leaders from our congregation, will continue to oversee the church’s mission, ensuring we stay focused on reaching people for Jesus, raising them up to be like Him, and releasing them to serve in ministry—all while maintaining fiscal integrity. Our gifted teaching team will deliver God’s Word each weekend, our staff leadership team will keep daily operations on track, and thousands of dedicated volunteers will continue to make ministry happen. Parkview has never been defined by one individual. We are a team of faithful volunteers and staff united in fulfilling the mission of Jesus in the south suburbs of Chicago and beyond. We are truly blessed!
What’s Next for Pastor Ted?
Pastor Ted and his family are taking time to seek God’s guidance and wisdom for their next chapter. Please keep them in your prayers during this season of discernment.
How Will Parkview Find the Next Lead Pastor?
When the time comes, The Parkview Board has the responsibility to lead the search and hire the next Lead Pastor of Parkview. The board is committed to a prayerful and deliberate process to discern the next steps. We will provide regular updates to the congregation as this unfolds.
How Can I Help?
We invite you to pray for Pastor Ted and his family, our board as they navigate this transition, and our staff and volunteers as they carry out the mission of Parkview.
How Can I Share Questions About This Transition?
Please feel free to reach out to us at board@parkviewchurch.com and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
How Can We Thank and Honor Pastor Ted?
Great question! We’re working on ways to express our gratitude. Stay tuned for more details.