Northway Church
- Location: Macon, Georgia
- Size: Approx. 1,000 weekly attendance
- Website: northwaychurch.net
- Hiring for: Executive pastor
Needed: A strategic partner
Northway Church was at a pivotal moment. Senior pastor Kevin Mills felt he was stretched too thin, needing a strategic partner who could help manage operational responsibilities, staff development, and ministry strategy.
Northway set out to find a visionary and relational executive pastor to enable Pastor Kevin to focus more fully on teaching, mentoring, and vision-casting. The right person would ensure the church continued its growth trajectory and transformative community impact.
About Northway Church
Northway Church, located in Macon, Georgia, is dedicated to transforming lives through the Gospel. Founded on Southern Baptist principles yet known for its contemporary and welcoming approach, Northway emphasizes authentic community, strategic service, relational evangelism, and cultural relevance. With vibrant ministries for all ages, Northway has become a thriving spiritual home in the Macon community.
Northway places a significant emphasis on life transformation through relational discipleship, authenticity, and practical teaching. The church’s strategic plan involves cultivating a deeper spiritual maturity among its congregation, maintaining high engagement, and preparing for further growth, including potential expansion of services or facilities.
The ideal candidate
Northway Church sought an executive pastor who exemplified:
- Strong organizational and leadership skills
- Proven experience overseeing staff and developing ministries
- Highly relational with exceptional interpersonal skills
- Alignment with Northway’s core values and theology
- Strategic thinker capable of leading through growth and change
- Passion for serving in the “second chair,” empowering the senior pastor
From 100 to one
Recognizing the importance of this role, Northway partnered with Vanderbloemen. Eric Albert, executive search consultant, led the comprehensive search process. The Vanderbloemen team worked closely with Northway’s leadership, clearly defining the ideal candidate profile and leveraging networking, social media, and direct outreach to identify candidates who could meet Northway’s specific needs.
From over 100 initial candidates, Vanderbloemen narrowed the field to top individuals who embodied the needed competencies, character, culture, and chemistry.
About Stephen Howard
Stephen Howard emerged as the ideal candidate, already deeply integrated into Northway Church as the next generation and student pastor since 2016. His ministry experience, combined with his passion for organizational excellence and discipleship, made him a natural choice for the executive pastor role.
- Experience leading and developing multiple ministry departments
- Skilled in strategic planning, organization, and operational oversight
- Deeply relational leader known for authenticity and humility
- Committed to the Gospel and Northway’s vision of community transformation
- Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
A strategic fit
With Stephen stepping into the role of executive pastor, Northway Church has positioned itself to sustain and accelerate its growth trajectory. Stephen’s leadership will provide critical support to Pastor Kevin, allowing greater focus on vision, teaching, and mentoring.
Executive Search Consultant Eric Albert praised the appointment, stating, “Stephen knows Northway’s DNA intimately and excels at empowering others. This is truly a strategic fit.”
Northway looks forward to continued growth and Gospel impact under Stephen’s leadership.
