Dear MCC Family,

After months of prayer, fasting, interviews, assessments, and thoughtful discernment, our Lead Pastor Calling Committee (LPCC) is excited and united in our recommendation of Joshua Lenon as MCC's next Lead Pastor! 

Throughout this search, we've prayerfully sought God's wisdom and direction, asking Him to lead us to someone whose character, biblical convictions, pastoral heart, and leadership would align with MCC's mission and vision.

In Joshua, we believe we've found that combination.

Joshua is a pastor who leads with both conviction and compassion. His desire to faithfully follow Jesus shapes his theology, relationships, and leadership decisions. His experience planting and leading a church, developing teams, and guiding ministry growth is particularly relevant to this season of transition at MCC.

Joshua genuinely embraces our mission to KNOW Jesus, LIVE like Jesus, and LOVE like Jesus, and shares our vision to be a diverse community seeing future generations transformed by the Gospel. He appreciates MCC's rich history, has a deep love for Cincinnati, and is excited to build on the foundation God has established here.

We believe God has uniquely equipped Joshua to lead and shepherd MCC in this next season, and we can't wait for you to get to know him and his family!

GET TO KNOW JOSHUA

We've created several resources to help you learn more about Joshua, his family, his heart for ministry, and why the LPCC is recommending him.

Throughout the search, the LPCC thoughtfully evaluated candidates across six key areas:

• Character & Spiritual Maturity
• Theology & Doctrinal Alignment
• Leadership & Organizational Health
• Relational & Pastoral Leadership
• Preaching & Communication
• Culture & Vision/Mission Fit

Our Why We Chose Joshua resource shares how Joshua demonstrated these qualities and why we believe he's the right leader for MCC in this season.

IMPORTANT DATES & OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE

In accordance with MCC's Constitution, our congregation has an important role in affirming this recommendation through a formal vote. 

Over the next couple of weeks, there will be several opportunities to get to know Joshua, ask questions, pray together, and participate in the congregational calling process.

Sunday, November 8 | OFFICIAL CALL ANNOUNCEMENT
9:30 & 11:00 AM Worship Services

According to the MCC Constitution, this weekend kicks off our official notification of an upcoming congregational meeting to affirm the Lead Pastor Calling Committee's recommendation for our new Lead Pastor. 

The LPCC team and elders will be available in the atrium after each service to answer any questions you may have.

Saturday, November 14 | MEET JOSHUA: HEAR HIS STORY & HEART FOR MCC
9:00–11:00 AM (Childcare Available) OR 1:00–3:00 PM | Powerhouse

Join us for a casual conversation where you'll hear more about his story, family, calling to ministry, and heart for MCC. Childcare will be available for babies through preschool at the 9:00 - 11:00 AM session only.

What would you like to ask Joshua? We'd love to hear from you! Submit your questions in advance (by Thursday, November 12), so we can focus our time together on what matters most to our church family.

We're offering two identical sessions, so simply choose the time that works best for you. Each gathering will include Joshua sharing his story, a moderated Q&A, and time to connect with him personally.

Sunday, November 15 | VOTING OPENS
Voting opens at 10:30 AM 

In accordance with MCC's Constitution, our congregational business meeting will be called to order and then suspended until November 22.
This allows absentee voting to open November 15 for eligible members who are unable to attend the November 22 meeting. Absentee ballots may be submitted electronically through Realm (link forthcoming) or by completing a paper ballot available at the Welcome Center on November 15.

All absentee ballots must be received by 12:20 PM on November 22, 2026.

Thursday, November 19 | PRAYER GATHERING
7:00–8:00 PM | Chapel

As we prepare for this important next step, we invite our church family to gather and seek God together. We'll thank Him for His faithfulness throughout this process, lift up Joshua and his family, and pray for wisdom as we look ahead to MCC's next chapter.

Sunday, November 22 | CONGREGATIONAL MEETING & CALL VOTE
9:30 & 11:00 AM Worship Services

We're looking forward to welcoming Joshua as he preaches during both worship services!

You will have an opportunity to vote after the 9:30 AM and 11 AM services on both November 15 and November 22.

Immediately following the second service on November 22, our congregational business meeting will resume for the formal vote to affirm Joshua's call as MCC's next Lead Pastor.

Eligible members who have not already submitted an absentee ballot will have the opportunity to vote in person.

Tuesday, November 24 | CONGREGATIONAL VOTE RESULTS ANNOUNCED

Following verification of the ballots, we anticipate sharing the outcome with our church family by email.

LET’S TAKE THIS NEXT STEP TOGETHER!

MCC, we are incredibly grateful for the ways God has guided and sustained our church throughout this season of transition. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, questions, and trust throughout the search process.

We are excited about the possibility of welcoming Joshua and his family to MCC and hopeful for all God has ahead!

We encourage you to take time to learn more about Joshua, join us for a conversation on November 14, participate in our prayer gathering, and prayerfully consider this important decision.

If you’d like to connect with an Elder, you can email elders@mcc.church

Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to taking this next step together as we continue seeking God's direction for MCC!

With gratitude and anticipation,
MCC Lead Pastor Calling Committee & Elders