Welcome!

This page is to help keep everyone informed on what is happening as FBCW goes through this time of pastoral succession.

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Pastoral Succession Process at FBCW:

What was announced?

Pastor Brad, in collaboration with the deacons and Pastoral Leadership Team (PLT), announced His resignation as Senior Pastor at FBCW, effective June 28, 2026.

Why now?

Pastor explained that the timing of this decision is intentionally based on several factors: First Baptist Church is healthy, Wixom Christian school is strong and stable, and the Pastoral Leadership Team is ready to assume senior leadership at FBCW.

What are the next steps?

The deacons have called a special member meeting for Sunday, April 27, to lay out for the church a calendar and constitutional process for calling the next lead pastor at FBCW.

Where will the church look next for senior leadership?

God has graciously provided multiple qualified pastors at FBCW and we believe that the best candidates will be internal candidates (members of the current PLT)

What are Pastor Brad’s plans?

 Brad and Mari have chosen to delay exploring their future employment/ministry options until the church has clear direction for future leadership.  The Stilles do not currently have any plans to leave Michigan.

How will this effect Wixom Christian School?

 WCS is healthier now than it has ever been and it is currently being led by departmental principals under Pastor Brad’s direction.  We are confident in the future collaborative leadership of the principals, the school board, and the PLT and we expect that the best days of WCS are still ahead!

What will the interim period look like at FBCW?

Pastor Brad is still our lead pastor until June 28, 2026.  Once a successor has been named, Pastor Brad intends to co-pastor with his successor and actively mentor him for senior leadership.  The other PLT members will also increase their responsibilities during this time in anticipation of the leadership hand-off in 2026.

Please continue to pray for FBCW! We ask that you pray for the people of First Baptist of Wixom, for Pastor Brad and Mari, for the deacons, and for the Pastoral Leadership Team.  We anticipate a smooth and happy transition of leadership and we look forward to seeing God continue to use FBCW to advance His priorities in our community.  Most importantly, we pray that Jesus would be glorified in all that we do!

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Eph. 3:20-21)