Lead Pastor Succession
This page provides updates on the Lead Pastor Succession Process at Grace Fellowship Church.
The Congregation Confirmed
Pastor Peter LaRuffa
In December 2024, Pastor Brad Bigney announced his plan to retire at the end of 2027. The elders began a prayerful search, and unanimously recommended Pastor Peter LaRuffa as the next Lead Pastor. The congregation voted on March 15, 2026, and he was confirmed. He will officially step into the role on January 1, 2028.
See how we got herePastor Peter's Story
How We Got Here
How We Got Here
Click any step to learn more
Announcement
In 2024, Pastor Brad Bigney told the other elders that he plans to retire at the end of 2027. He shared this because he wants to finish strong and step away while his ministry is still effective and vibrant.
Brad shared this plan with the church family during the December 2024 Business Meeting. His early communication gives us time to prepare wisely, pray together, and seek the man God has for this role.
Preparation
The elders spent significant time in prayer, seeking trusted counsel, and developing a comprehensive plan of action to guide this important transition.
The elders have been praying individually and as a group throughout this process, and that prayer continues. We believed from the start that God would guide our church family to the pastor He has for us. We're grateful for how the congregation has joined us in calling out to our Heavenly Father for this important decision.
We partnered with Vanderbloemen, a trusted executive search firm that works with churches and nonprofits across the country. They helped us evaluate and plan this transition with wisdom and clarity. After prayerfully considering their input and recommendations, the elders shaped the plan that guided our search.
The elders held numerous meetings to discuss the culture and values of GFC, as well as the key responsibilities we need from a Lead Pastor. We do not expect a clone of Brad Bigney. The next Lead Pastor will bring some of his own ideas and passions that God has developed in him. However, we are not looking for a huge correction or change of vision.
Candidate Evaluation
We entered a focused evaluation phase, beginning with internal candidates while remaining open to an external search if that was the direction God led us. Interviews with internal candidates took place in October 2025.
- Assessment by Vanderbloemen to provide external insight and perspective.
- Input from key leaders and staff who serve closely in the life of the church.
- Evaluation by a search team made up of elders and representatives from all three campuses.
- Prayerful discernment by the elders, reviewing all input and seeking unity and clarity from the Lord.
- Elder Todd & Cindy Richmond
- Elder Ryan & Julia Petrie
- Kyle & Analisa Winslow (Florence)
- Caleb & Jane Cantwell (Independence)
- Joe & Katie Zuerner (Fort Thomas)
Candidate Recommendation
After prayerful discernment, the elders enthusiastically and unanimously recommended Pastor Peter LaRuffa as the next Lead Pastor of Grace Fellowship Church.
March 1 · 2–4pm · Florence Campus
The church family was invited to a churchwide question & answer session with Pastor Peter LaRuffa prior to the congregational vote.
Congregational Vote
On March 15 at the Florence Campus, the congregation voted to confirm Pastor Peter LaRuffa as the next Lead Pastor of Grace Fellowship Church. He was also confirmed as an elder, effective immediately.
- Pastor Peter LaRuffa confirmed as Lead Pastor effective Jan 1, 2028
- Pastor Peter LaRuffa confirmed as elder effective March 15, 2026
Email the Elders
Our Elders would love to hear what is on your heart. Let us know how we can help!
Contact the EldersWhat's next?
What is NOT changing
- Our vision. Raising up a generation of Christians with the courage to stand, confidence to speak, and heart to sacrifice for Christ.
- Our mission. We will continue to Gather in truth, Grow by grace, and Go with the gospel to the tri-state and the world.
- Our Big Rocks. The convictions that have anchored Grace from the beginning—Bible-based, grace-based, missions-minded, serving, prayer, Community Groups, the sovereignty of God, and God-focused praise and worship.
Why planned succession?
- We believe in Grace's future and want an intentional, prayerful, orderly process.
- A healthy transition allows us to stay focused on our mission and vision as the priority.
- This honors Pastor Brad's legacy and sets up the next leader for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pastor Brad plans to retire Dec 31, 2027, giving us ample time for a thoughtful and thorough transition process.
Yes, Pastor Brad will continue to serve as Lead Pastor until his retirement on Dec 31, 2027. Between now and then, a transition plan will be developed, and some responsibilities will likely be transferred to Pastor Peter as that date approaches to ensure a smooth handoff.
You can email the elders using the contact form on this page, reach out to Pastor Peter directly, or speak with any elder on a Sunday morning.
After an extensive evaluation process, the elders believe Pastor Peter's character, giftedness, and alignment with Grace's vision and Big Rocks make him the right choice to lead us forward.
The elders led the search process with input from staff, a multi-campus search team, and an outside firm. The congregation voted on March 15, 2026 to confirm Pastor Peter as the next Lead Pastor, effective January 1, 2028.
That has not been determined yet. With Pastor Peter confirmed as the next Lead Pastor, the elders will be working through next steps for the Fort Thomas Campus. We will keep the church family updated as plans develop.
Want to talk to an individual elder?
Click to email below or talk with them on a Sunday morning
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