Pastoral Search + Appointment

Updates on our current pastoral search + appointment process

Pastoral Search + Appointment

In 2023, the Foursquare denomination began the process to find and appoint a new lead pastor of B4Church. Vibrant ministry continues with a well-equipped staff of pastors, led by our Transition Lead, Pastor Bo Stern Brady, an incredible team of volunteers, a committed community, and our vision fixed on Jesus Christ.

Through prayer, a thorough vetting, and with Spirit-led vision, our next lead pastor will be appointed by our Foursquare District Leadership. B4's pastors, church council, and key leadership will contribute wisdom, insight, and prayerful vision to this pastoral appointment.

Read below for updates from our pastoral team and the timeline of our pastoral search. If you have further questions, please reach out to questions@b4church.org.

Pastoral Transition Timeline

May 26th, 2024

Dear B4 Family,

I love this time of year in Oregon, when it feels like the whole world is ready to burst into color and fragrance and life. I feel the same sense of anticipation and joy as I look at the garden that is B4Church. I stepped into this role with hopes and dreams, but not knowing what to expect. On this, day 75 as your lead pastor, I can say I am more in love with the people and the purposes of Jesus for this church than I could have imagined when I stepped into this adventure.

Here are a few things that I’m excited about right now:

We are in a series on Ephesians which will roll through the summer. It has been so fun to study and build messages around Paul’s heart for Jesus’ church. I know that the Holy Spirit is going to speak clearly to us as we dig into this beautiful text. We’ve created a deep-dive resource for you here
I’ll be doing most of the speaking this summer, but we’ll also welcome back Randy Remington (August 4), Steve Mickel (August 25) and our friend, the lead pastor at Eugene Faith Center, Russell Joyce (June 30).
The Generations team has been pouring their time, prayer and talent into our summer camps and you, dear church, have stepped up to give so that every kid has a chance to attend. Even as I write this, I feel overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for the way you have circled the wagons around under-resourced families to ensure their kids have this opportunity to meet with Jesus and experience His great love.
We are launching the B4 Welcome Party for all those new to our church on _________. This is going to be a fun time of connecting and learning about what it looks like to be part of our B4 family. The Welcome Party will become a regular event as we welcome new people with joy.

I could go on and on about events here at B4, but the thing I’m most excited about isn’t an event, it’s a feeling. Every Sunday I come to this building with one thought simmering in my mind, like a teapot just about to whistle: What is the Holy Spirit going to do here today? I see and feel God moving here, within us and through us in such beautiful ways that sometimes I can’t sleep on Saturday nights as I anticipate what might happen when we come together to worship and hear from Him. The four words that form our “why” are: Hope, Healing, Freedom & Flourishing. Our good Father is showing up every week, in worship, through the word and especially around the altars afterwards, as the God who saves, heals, delivers and abundantly blesses. Our staff members share the stories of life change each week and we are living on the edge of our seats as He leads us into the beauty He has for us.

So that’s it from me except to say: I am so thankful for you, B4. I am honored to serve Jesus with you and ready to welcome all He wants to do in us and through us.

With hope,

Pastor Bo

March 3, 2024

We proudly announce the appointment of Bo Stern Brady as our new Lead Pastor!

Pastor Bo brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep passion for Spirit-led ministry to her new role . As an accomplished speaker, author, and pastor, she has touched countless lives with her empowering message of God’s faithful love through the most trying times. Her humble leadership style, richly biblical teaching, and genuine compassion for others make her an ideal fit to lead B4Church into its next season.

“I am honored and humbled to serve the B4Church staff and family as Lead Pastor,” said Pastor Bo. “I am deeply committed to serving this community with dedication, authenticity, and a heart full of love. Together, we will continue building a church where God’s love, grace, and power revealed in Jesus continues to transform lives.”

Throughout her career, Pastor Bo has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering healthy communities where anyone seeking to follow Jesus can find support and spiritual nourishment. Her vision for B4Church includes creating meaningful opportunities for worship, fellowship, and service, empowering the B4Church community to grow in faith and serve the Westside of Portland.

“Our denominational and national leadership is thrilled to appoint Bo Stern Brady as the new Lead Pastor,” said Steve Mickel, Foursquare Northwest District Supervisor. “Her vision for ministry, authentically humble, collaborative approach to leadership, and deeply rooted faith will undoubtedly inspire the church to new heights.”

Bo Stern Brady, who has served the past year as interim pastor, will be formally installed on Sunday, March 10th.

February 29, 2024

Don’t miss this Sunday, March 3, 2024. Hopefully, you can join us in person, but our online works if you can’t attend for some reason. We’ll share an exciting announcement regarding our pastoral search.

February 21, 2024

Our Church Council and district are talking with a third candidate, and we will update you when those conversations have concluded.

Read the full update here.

January 31, 2024

Something special happened at B4 on Sunday, January 28th, worth celebrating and sharing.

Read the full update here.

January 10, 2024

There’s an extra day in 2024 because it’s a Leap Year. That’s a good thing since we have plans!

Read the full update here.

December 13, 2023

God provides wise biblical counsel for us as we continue our search for a new lead pastor. Some of it resides in a handful of verses from Acts 16.

Read the full update here.

December 5, 2023

This installment focuses on a question within the broader Church: can women and men serve equally in the same leadership roles? If you’re Foursquare, the answer is yes, but not all Christians agree with that.

To read this update, click here.

November 16, 2023

We offer a look at significant next steps in the search for B4’s next lead pastor as our District Supervisor begins vetting a candidate. It also includes a call to prayer and a celebration of all God is doing through our church!

To read this update, click here.

October 30, 2023

This installment is entitled Two Churches and a Black Box, and reflects on the unique season we’re in as we await the appointment of a new pastor.

To read the official update, click here.

September 14, 2023

This week’s update is all about the good stuff that’s happening while our search continues. For the City weekend (September 17th) will highlight the unique opportunities we have as a community. We will hear stories of impact and receive encouragement to dive into the work of Jesus through the initiative.

To read the full update, click here.

August 31, 2023

On Monday, August 28th, we had a church family meeting to discuss the new lead pastor’s selection process and progress, Brad Williams’s removal in more detail, and the overall health of B4Church. The full update includes a summary recap of the meeting.

To read the full update, click here.

August 17, 2023

District supervisor, Steve Mickel, and Pastor Bo have scheduled a church family meeting for Monday, August 28th, at 7:00 PM. During the meeting, Steve will speak about the current search process and share a brief update. We’ll also take time to address the timeline and circumstances of Brad’s removal in greater detail for those who need more clarity and allow for a question and response time.