Andy Stanley to step down as North Point pastor in 2027

Andy Stanley, the founding pastor of North Point Ministries in Alpharetta, announced on October 18, 2026, that he will step down from his senior leadership roles in 2027, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

Stanley has led North Point Ministries and North Point Community Church for over three decades, growing the organization into a network of eight Atlanta-area campuses. Approximately 50,000 eligible congregants will have the opportunity to vote on his recommended successor, Joel Thomas, the current executive director of North Point Ministries, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

He plans to remain involved in ministry as an elder and preacher, but his priority will shift to spending more time with his grandchildren, FOX 5 Atlanta and baptistnews.com reported.

Joel Thomas has been recommended by Stanley as his successor. Congregants will vote on this nomination, with results expected by November 1, and if approved, Thomas will assume the senior pastor role on January 1, 2027, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

Stanley will continue as lead pastor of North Point Community Church until May 2027, when Thomas is expected to take over that position as well, WSB-TV reported.

This planned transition follows a trend among founders of large megachurches stepping down around this stage of their careers, as noted by baptistnews.com.