A New Season for Oak Life
At Oak Life, we believe that seasons of transition are not just endings, but opportunities for communal growth and renewal. Recently, we announced that Chris will be leaving his current role as a co-pastor . While changes bring up lots of feels, we believe that God is doing something new at Oak Life amidst these shifts and we are grateful to be able to celebrate a healthy tranistion. Below, you’ll find a personal note from Chris and an FAQ for the community. Our hope is for this season to be an invitation to lean in and see how God continues to grow and form our community.
A Word from Chris:
March 2026
Dear Oak Life Church,
About thirteen years ago, a group of friends gathered in an apartment near Lake Merritt and dreamt about creating a church community that would have deep roots and wide branches—one that welcomed all and sought peace and healing in our world. If you had told me then that all these years later our dreams would have become what is now Oak Life, I would have cried. If you had told me the countless stories of compassion, love for creation, and healing from isolation, loneliness, religious trauma, and worse, I would have cried more. If you had told me of the ways this community expressed an expansive story of God’s love with such humility, curiosity, genuineness, and grace, I would have run out of tissues. It has been the honor and adventure of a lifetime to get a front-row seat to these countless stories and serve as a pastor and co-pastor. Today, I’m writing to share that my time in this role, this beautiful season, is coming to a close.
Alongside my work with Oak Life, I’ve always been involved in international humanitarian work, and over the past few years, this work—specifically with Partners Relief & Development—has been taking more of my energy and heart. With all that’s going on in our world, I’ve felt the strong invitation from God to not look away, but to help children and communities caught in war however I can. So, after much prayer and conversation, I’ve made the decision to transition out of my current role at Oak Life to focus more on Partners and its work in places like Myanmar, Syria, Gaza, and Bangladesh. My final Sunday as a formal pastor at Oak Life will be Sunday, June 28th.
Truth be told, this transition has already been taking place, and with the support of the Leadership Team, I’ve been gradually handing off responsibilities to Greg, Jenn, Andi, and our team. As I’ve been stepping back, the church has continued to flourish and grow—what a gift. Over the coming months, we’ll continue to transition my responsibilities, with the current staff covering what remains. I’m excited to see the ways God continues to grow, provide for, and form Oak Life in this new season. Additionally, our Leadership Team is fully committed to supporting our community and staff in this time.
My ask of our community is for you all to prayerfully lean in. Greg will be taking on more leadership responsibilities, as will Jenn and Andi. I have nothing but gratitude and excitement to see how God uses their unique gifts in this new season. That said, as transitions happen in any community, there will be some changes—but my experience is these seasons provide sacred opportunities for new life, new gifts to be utilized, and new people to be engaged. Oak Life has never been centered on any one person but has always been a reflection of our collective faith, hope, and love. My prayer is that our community will not miss out on this unique and sacred season. It’s a gift to be able to have a healthy and celebrated transition—and my prayer is that this is what it will be.
Over the coming months, I’ll still be around. I’d love to grab coffee, reminisce, and celebrate all that has happened over these past 13 years. I still love Oak Life deeply and I have no plans of leaving. After stepping out of my pastoral role, I will be taking the remainder of the year to reflect and allow Oak Life the space it needs to find its new groove. Our plan is for me to re-engage in 2027 as a member of the community. My family and I aren’t going anywhere. We love and believe in Oak Life. Oakland is our home, and I’m looking forward to supporting Greg and the team however I can.
Oak Life, thank you. Thank you for being such a unique, diverse, inclusive, loving, and beautiful expression of Jesus. The world needs you now more than ever. I really believe that.
Tearfully,
Chris
Transition FAQ: A New Season for Chris & Oak Life
Why is Chris transitioning out of his role?
For several years, Chris has balanced his pastoral role at Oak Life with his international humanitarian work. Recently, he has felt a clear and growing invitation to focus his energy on helping children and communities affected by war. To honor that calling, he is transitioning out of his formal staff role to work more deeply with Partners Relief & Development.
What is the timeline for this change?
Now – June 2026: A gradual hand-off of remaining responsibilities to the staff and Leadership Team.
Sunday, June 28, 2025: Chris’s final Sunday as a formal pastor at Oak Life.
Remainder of 2026: Chris will be taking a season of reflection and giving the church space to establish its new rhythm.
2027: Chris and his family plan to discern with the Leadership Team best ways to re-engage as community members.
Who will be leading the church now?
Oak Life is in great hands! Greg will be taking on more pastoral responsibilities, supported by Jenn, Andi, and our dedicated Leadership Team. The team has been working closely together for months to ensure a smooth and healthy transition.
Is Chris moving away?
No. Oakland is home! Chris and his family aren't going anywhere. While his work with Partners will involve international travel, they remain committed to the Oakland community and to Oak Life as their church home.
Can I still reach out to Chris?
Yes! Between now and late June, Chris would love to grab coffee, reminisce, and celebrate the journey of the last 13 years. Once he finishes his formal role in June, he’ll be taking some intentional "space" for the rest of the year to support a healthy transition for the new leadership, but you’ll see him back in the mix in 2027.
How can I support the church during this time?
The best way to support Oak Life is to "lean in." Transitions are sacred opportunities for new people to get involved and for new gifts to flourish. You can help by:
Continuing to show up and participate in the life of the church.
Praying for the staff and Leadership Team as they take on new responsibilities.
Approaching this change with the same curiosity and grace that defines our community.
Will there be a time to celebrate Chris’s ministry?
Absolutely. We will have more details soon about how we’ll celebrate Chris’s 13 years of leadership as we get closer to June. Stay tuned for updates!