Dave Dummit

After 46 faithful years in ministry he will now be passing the baton to another strong, visionary leader. With 6 years of planning in partnership with Eastside’s Elder Board and trusted advisors, and the loving support of his wife, Barbara – this pastoral succession was never driven by a date on the calendar but instead by the moment God would make it clear that the next Senior Pastor for Eastside was found.  

Gene shared more about this plan over the weekend, and we are so grateful for his thoughtful and strategic plan.

At the invitation of Eastside’s Elder Board, Gene will be assuming a new role at Eastside, Pastor at Large, where he will serve as an ambassador for kingdom causes on behalf of Eastside to the wider church world. Gene’s primary role will be to serve Dave in any way needed and to pave the way for a healthy and God-honoring transition. Gene and Barbara also look forward to spending more time with family in this next season as they will welcome their sixth grandson this year!

Serving as the Senior Pastor at Eastside is a unique role that requires a multi-faceted skillset. We believe in the power of teams and don’t expect a single individual to carry everything; however, for this role, below is the list of qualities that were assessed by our elder board for Eastside’s next Senior Pastor: 

• Wise, Strategic Leader (bent towards those far from God)
• Powerful Preacher – Effective Communicator
• Character, Integrity, Financial Responsibility
• Humble Servant Leader
• Grown/built something strong in Ministry
• Healthy Spiritual Discipline
• Solid Doctrine and Theological Alignment with Eastside’s Statement of Faith
• Commitment to and Respect of the Restoration Movement
• Supportive Spouse
• Cultural Fit with Eastside and Eastside Christian Church’s High-Level Vision
• Will love Eastside more than the love of the Senior Pastor title
• Sense of Humor 

May 16/17 – Join us as Dave Dummitt teaches. A great opportunity to hear from him personally.
June 20/21 – Dave returns for Father’s Day weekend.
August – Dave officially joins the Eastside team.
September/October – Dave and Gene will make weekend visits to all campuses.
Late 2026/Early 2027 – Dave steps into the Senior Pastor role, and Gene steps into the Pastor at Large role.

We encourage and invite you to be praying for Gene & Barbara and Dave & Rachel as they go through these transitions together. 

More specifically, you can pray for:

• Gene & Barbara:
  • That they would see the impact they’ve made at Eastside and feel our gratitude.
  • God’s blessing and guidance as they step into a new chapter.
  • A smooth leadership transition and handoff.
• Dave and Rachel:
  • For continued confirmation and encouragement as Dave assumes a new role at Eastside.
  • Strength and wisdom as they lead and transition life from Chicago to Southern California. 
• For Eastside’s future:
  • For continued impact in the communities we serve.