View our original October 26, 2025 communication to the church here:
1. Why is Pastor Ross stepping down as Lead Pastor?
After 23 years of faithful leadership, Pastor Ross has prayerfully decided to step into a new ministry role as the Director of Missions for Limestone County. Over the past several months, Ross has sensed God leading him into a new season of ministry that allows him to serve pastors and churches across our county.
2. Is Pastor Ross leaving The Grove?
While Pastor Ross will no longer be on staff at The Grove effective January 26, 2026, both he and Beth still intend to call The Grove their church home and desire to continue to be a part of The Grove family. While his new position will be outside our staff, his love and investment in this church remain unchanged. He plans to stay connected and supportive in this next chapter.
3. Who will be the next Lead Pastor?
Pastor Drew Hogan, who has served as our Student Pastor since 2019, was recommended by Pastor Ross and has the full support of our Deacons and leadership team to become the next Lead Pastor of The Grove.
This recommendation was affirmed through the vote of the covenant members of our congregation in a specially-called church conference on November 9, 2025.
This recommendation was affirmed through the vote of the covenant members of our congregation in a specially-called church conference on November 9, 2025.
4. Why was Drew recommended as Ross’ successor?
This recommendation came after much prayer, discussion, and confirmation among our leadership. Drew has served in full-time ministry since 2008, has faithfully served at The Grove since 2019, has a deep love for this church, and has demonstrated spiritual maturity, strong leadership, and a clear calling to shepherd our congregation. Drew led The Grove during Ross' 10-week sabbatical during the summer of 2023. Pastor Ross has spent the past several years investing in Drew and challenging him in roles outside of student ministry through preaching, revivals, leading worship, and service at both The Grove and other churches. Even before this transition, plans were already in motion for Drew to move into a broader associate pastor role overseeing discipleship and small groups, so this next step is a natural and prayerful progression.
You can hear Drew's background, testimony, and heart for The Grove here.
You can hear Drew's background, testimony, and heart for The Grove here.
5. How was the selection of our next pastor finalized?
As with all major decisions at our church, members of The Grove had the opportunity to vote to affirm Pastor Drew as the next Lead Pastor on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The motion passed by a vote of 136-3.
6. What does the transition timeline look like?
Drew will take a sabbatical from November 17-December 15 in preparation of his new role as Lead Pastor. Ross will continue serving as Lead Pastor through this transition season, with his time as Lead Pastor ending on January 26, 2026.
Upon Drew's return from sabbatical in mid-December, Ross and Drew will work together closely with the rest of the staff for approximately 6 weeks to maintain the momentum of ministry and vision at The Grove and ensure a smooth handoff before Ross steps fully into his new role with the Limestone Baptist Association.
Drew will officially step into the role of Lead Pastor effective January 26, 2026.
Upon Drew's return from sabbatical in mid-December, Ross and Drew will work together closely with the rest of the staff for approximately 6 weeks to maintain the momentum of ministry and vision at The Grove and ensure a smooth handoff before Ross steps fully into his new role with the Limestone Baptist Association.
Drew will officially step into the role of Lead Pastor effective January 26, 2026.
7. How will this affect students and families since Drew has been the Student Pastor?
As communicated at our September church conference, a search committee has already been actively seeking a new Student Pastor to continue leading our students. In the meantime, Drew and our leaders will ensure that ministry to students continues with the same care and excellence as always with the support of ministry leaders.
8. Are we still looking to hire someone as an associate pastor of discipleship to oversee life groups?
This is still a needed position at The Grove. Our church staff and deacons are still working to determine exactly how this search process will happen.
9. How can we ask questions or get more information?
We want everyone to feel informed and confident during this transition. You can find details and FAQs at thegrovemadison.org/transition and through The Grove app. You can also email info@thegrovemadison.org or reach out directly to any deacon or staff member if you have questions.
10. How can we support The Grove during this transition?
Please join us in praying:
• For Ross and his family as they begin this new season of ministry
• For Drew and his family as they prepare for new leadership responsibilities
• For church leadership as they seek a new student pastor
• For church leadership as they determine how to best proceed in identifying a new associate pastor of discipleship
• For The Grove Church, that we would walk in unity and faith as God continues His work here
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out directly to our deacons, Ross, or Drew.
• For Ross and his family as they begin this new season of ministry
• For Drew and his family as they prepare for new leadership responsibilities
• For church leadership as they seek a new student pastor
• For church leadership as they determine how to best proceed in identifying a new associate pastor of discipleship
• For The Grove Church, that we would walk in unity and faith as God continues His work here
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out directly to our deacons, Ross, or Drew.