A Letter from Pastor Jack Baca
Dear Members and Friends of The Village Church,
The Scriptures teach us that, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…." I am writing to let you know that I believe that it is time for me to retire from ministry and to conclude my season of service among you as pastor.
A typical search for a new pastor requires nine to eighteen months for completion, during which I intend to remain in my role. A Search Committee for the new pastor will be recruited by our Nominating Committee and presented to the whole congregation for approval in the coming weeks.
Thanks be to God, our church is strong, resilient, and poised for great things in the future. We are blessed with deeply committed members and leaders, capable and fruitful staff, a beautiful campus, abundant resources, and above all, a desire among you all to follow Jesus, who alone is Head of the Church.
I look forward to this next season as we prepare for the future, and I hope to continue to serve you with "energy, intelligence, imagination, and love" in the months ahead.
Blessings,
The Rev. Dr. Jack W. Baca
Senior Pastor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pastor Jack's personal perspective on his retirement?
"It is time for the Village Church to move boldly and faithfully into the next season of its life.The church is strong.We have a large and growing body of members, particularly among younger folks and families, and it is time for a younger pastor to minister among all of you.We are blessed with an excellent facility that will serve our ministries for decades to come. We have a committed core of members who I believe will continue to enjoy and support the work of the church.We are guided and served by a talented and seasoned staff, led by Executive Associate Pastor Jan Cook.
As of June of 2026, I will have served as an ordained pastor in local churches for 44 years, and as of February 2026, I have served the church in both volunteer and paid positions in preparation for ministry for 50 years. This position requires immense energy and attention every single day. A few months after the church itself, I will (God willing) reach the age of 70 years, and I am less able to provide such a level of care and devotion to those whom I serve.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the counsel of family and friends, I believe that God is calling me to a new season of life that will allow me time for rest and recreation. It is also time for me to dedicate more time to my family, who have given so much to the life of ministry throughout my career.
Jan Cook will be with the church a few more years, and her presence is very important as we go through this transition. One reason Jan chose to remain here was her desire to provide stability and consistency through this season of change."
The Rev. Dr. Jack Baca
Will the church be left with a vacancy in the Senior Pastor position?
Pastor Jack intends to stay in his role until a successor is called, a process that could take 12 to 18 months. During this period, the church will not face a vacancy in this position. Once the new pastor is announced, there will be up to a one-month transition where Pastor Jack's role will shift to guiding and connecting.
How will the search process be conducted?
Session will notify the Nominating Committee to gather and select members for the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). It has been suggested that the PNC consist of nine members to ensure diverse representation within the church, with an odd number to facilitate clear voting outcomes. It is hoped that by March 29, 2026, the PNC members will be chosen and approved by the congregation, allowing them to begin their work. A member of the Committee on Ministry (CoM) from the San Diego Presbytery will be assigned to assist the PNC with the search.
Where will we look?
The PNC will develop a detailed job description, and a Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) will be created for posting on the PCUSA Church Leadership Connection portal. The committee members will use all appropriate resources to advertise the open position and attract qualified candidates. The committee will provide monthly updates to the congregation.
Is this announcement a surprise?
Session appointed a Transition Committee in 2023 to develop a succession plan for the church. Succession planning ensures continuity of leadership and ministry, supporting a smooth and faithful transition during times of change. It enhances the church's long-term health and stability by reducing uncertainty and building confidence among staff and the congregation. Many of the suggestions in the succession plan have already been implemented, creating a stable and healthy environment for the church. Notably, this includes the installation of Pastor Jan Cook as our Executive Associate Pastor and the completion of the Strategic Plan in 2025.
Is this the typical succession process for a Presbyterian church?
The Transition Committee strongly recommended that the church pursue a succession plan outside the usual Presbyterian process, which typically involves hiring an interim pastor to bridge the gap between a pastor's retirement and the call of a new senior pastor. This alternative approach aims to provide greater leadership continuity, maintain congregational stability, and allow for a more prayerful, strategic transition aligned with the congregation's needs and culture. This approach was accepted and approved by Session, and a letter of exception has been submitted to CoM for approval.
Is it possible for Pastor Jan to become the Senior Pastor?
Part of Pastor Jan's calling to the role of Executive Associate Pastor was about her desire to serve throughout and beyond the transition, highlighting her strong relationship with the congregation and her consistent, trusted partnerships with leadership and staff. She firmly believes that it is in the best interest of both the congregation and staff to cultivate a stabilizing presence during this pivotal season and to serve as a bridge into the next chapter. While it is now technically possible for an Associate to become a Senior Pastor, this is not Jan's desire nor the terms of understanding under which she became our Executive Associate Pastor.
Will we have a celebration for Pastor Jack and Helen?
The Village Church will certainly celebrate the ministry of the Baca's.
Will Pastor Jack remain as a member of The Village Church upon his retirement?
It is not recommended for a senior pastor to remain as a member of the church he served. Staying could blur boundaries, create confusion about authority, and unintentionally undermine the leadership of the successor. Stepping away allows the new pastor to build trust, establish vision, and develop pastoral relationships without comparison or interference. It also gives the retiring pastor space to embrace a new season of life and ministry. This practice supports the long-term unity, clarity, and health of the church.
Will Jack and Jan be a part of the process to select a new pastor?
No, the Presbyterian church does not allow the participation of the pastors in the search process. However, the PNC may interview the pastors early in the process to glean information about the position profile and requirements of the role.
Will congregation members be invited to give input during the selection process?
Yes, the PNC will create opportunities for congregational input.
