Dear Twin Cities Church Family,
It is our desire, whether you’ve just started calling TCC home, or you’ve been with us for 30+ years, that we provide you with as much clarity as we can about this season of life for our church and the retirement transition for Pastor Ron and our selection and placement of our next Lead Pastor. Please watch the video Pastor Ron and Kim recorded to hear their story about why they feel now is the time to make this transition.
We hope this brief description of the process, milestones, and list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) will serve that desire. We humbly ask that if you have additional questions, they be directed to Brett Malech via email so we can collectively best answer the question and potentially update this webpage.
Thank you,
Pastor Ron, Kim & The TCC Leadership Team
Read the letter that was sent to our TCC Family on February 26, 2023
A message from Pastor
Ron & Kim
Our New Lead Pastor
Dear Twin Cities Family and Friends,
When I announced my retirement back in January, I had a strong sense that God was going to bless us in a timely manner with just the right person to become our new Lead Pastor. I was counseled by our Leadership Team, my advisors and mentors, and my wife that I needed to pick a “hard” stop date. Well, after much prayer, and many conversations with others, Kim and I felt God leading us to August 27. Back in January, that felt like such a long time out into the future.
We had been advised by Chemistry Staffing that it could take anywhere from 9 to 18 months to fill the role I was leaving after 32 years. One of the things that I found fascinating is that many people are fearful of following a Founding Pastor – especially one of my longevity. The problem is that many times the Old Guy has a hard time letting go of what he has spent his life building. I take that as a challenge, and I have assured our teams that I won’t be trying to insert myself into any situation unless I am asked. Another aspect that leads to a successful transition is for the candidate to be secure and confident of his calling and gifting by our loving Heavenly Father. He also needs to have a discerning understanding and acceptance of our local community, our church – its values and mission – and our staff.
I had already been praying diligently for this season of transition knowing that it would come with loss, sadness, and grief along with the possibility of a new beginning, freshness, gain, and joy. So, in January, I went before God and asked Him to help us locate, call, and install our new Lead Pastor before the August 27 date. That was my heart's desire because of how much I love you and our church and want to help Twin Cities begin this new season in as healthy a way as possible. I wanted to be part of the handoff and be present to celebrate our new Lead Pastor and give him my blessing as my new pastor.
Well, God has answered the prayer of my heart, and we are beginning the transition to bring Eric Wayman to our community as our new Lead Pastor. Eric has spent hours in conversations with our pastors, Search Team, Kim, and me. He’s a man who loves God with all his heart, loves others as he loves himself, and plans to love and serve the community and people he will be called to shepherd.
He has an extensive background in serving the church. He’s fun, extroverted, sincere, humble, kind, and caring. He’s passionate about helping people discover Jesus, embrace His calling to follow Him, grow as fully devoted followers, and share the hope of Jesus with the world. He uses the same language we do. He has similar values we hold dear. He doesn’t see himself as above anyone but is seeking to become transformed to be more like Jesus each day.
When Eric heard about the opportunity here in western Nevada County, he and his wife began watching our services online. He feels like he already knows us. After one service in our Let’s Talk About It series, his wife said, “This is a church I can be excited about.” Since then, they have been at a Sunday gathering on two occasions. They love our church just the way it is. Eric said, “I don’t want to change anything. I want to honor what has come before me and build on the legacy of who Twin Cities is to so many.”
I heartily recommend Eric to you. Please pray for him and his wife, Cathy, as well as their two boys Ethan and Grayson as they move to a new community to begin their lives with us. August is also an answer to Eric’s prayers that his boys could be in their new home to begin the school year. God has answered that prayer.
Please scroll down and look at the important dates in this transition because you’ll want to have a firsthand experience of what God is doing in our church. These are important days for our future, and God wants all of us to be engaged in His eternal purposes. I look forward to moving out of my seat at the leadership table and getting behind what God wants to do through Eric and our church.
The green bracelet I wear on my right wrist is a reminder to me that I can’t put my trust in Eric, but that I will keep my eyes focused on the faithfulness of our God. The verse on the bracelet is from Philippians 1:6 – “I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Friends, I am confident of this: We will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. God has a plan for good, and He will keep His promises. God’s in charge!
Joyfully walking on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others.
– Pastor Ron
A message from
Eric Wayman
Time makes transition inevitable and because of that, our lives are all about transition. Experts say the way we manage transitions will determine our well-being and peace of mind. Every time we face a change, there is an ending or loss we must grieve. That’s part of being a mentally healthy person. Many people remain stuck in the past because they’ve not grieved the losses they have experienced.
Transition theory says with every ending there is also the potential for a new beginning. The key to a successful transition is to grieve the loss, welcome the new beginnings, and press forward into a new season of purpose.
Twin Cities is in a season of transition. Ron Thompson, our lead pastor of 32 years, is retiring and stepping out of his role. With that comes the opportunity for loss and grief and new beginnings and joy. This season is an exciting time for our church, and you will want to make sure to engage as much as possible for your spiritual health and the future of our church family. Below are the key dates you’ll want to know.
august 13
Kim Thompson will speak on the key elements of Faith, Hope, and Love from Hebrews 10.
august 20
Pastor Ron will introduce and interview our new Lead Pastor, Eric Wayman, followed by a picnic and baptisms at Pioneer Park.
august 27
Pastor Ron & Kim will talk about how God has blessed them in this grand assignment to be our founding pastors. We’ll celebrate them during each of our gatherings (TCC-style with DONUTS and all!)
september 3
Pastor Mark will remind us of our mission – that will not change – to reach people for Jesus and lead His people to grow to love God, love people, and serve our world.
september 10
Pastor Ron and the Leadership Team will commission, and we will install Eric Wayman as our next Lead Pastor. We’ll get to hear his heart for carrying out the mission God has given us.
september 17
Pastor Eric will continue our Transition series as we begin the next season of our mission together!
Transition Milestones
We’ve prayerfully sensed that God has spoken to us and have confidence that He will continue to lead Twin Cities Church through this transition. As Pastor Ron and Kim prayed and talked about his retirement, talked and prayed with the TCC Leadership Team, and consulted with other mentors and trusted friends, the following summary of the expected transition milestones have taken shape.
As God leads and guides us in this journey, the following transition timeframe is our attempt to define the process ahead. We are committed to listen to God’s leading as He shepherds us all through this important time for TCC. We will prayerfully and humbly follow His direction, as we understand it, at all times. Therefore, the actual dates may change as we follow God’s lead.
We kindly ask for your grace and patience as we walk together through this journey into uncharted territory. Please remember that because of Pastor Ron’s longevity at TCC, this is something we’ve never done before, which is why we sought out a mentoring organization. We have engaged the professional services of Chemistry Staffing. You’ll hear more about them as we move forward.
Here are some key dates and milestones you’ll want to know:
Communication of Pastor Ron’s future retirement
February 26, 2023
Communication of Pastor Ron’s retirement and the transition process to our TCC family, our ministry partners, and our community partners.
Succession Planning & Lead Pastor Selection Parameters
January / February 2023
We have partnered with Chemistry Staffing, a Church consulting and search firm, to help us follow God through this process. Their consultants have visited TCC and are working to help us communicate, plan, make potential organizational changes, and develop the job description and profile that will guide the selection of our next Lead Pastor.
Lead Pastor Search Launches
February 2023
Chemistry Staffing has a detailed process to consider candidates before we begin interviewing them as a church and potentially having them visit TCC. It will take time to adequately assess their fit with TCC based on personality, theology, character, skill set, and chemistry. We hope to start searching for potential candidates in late February.
Final Interviews, In Person Visit, and Position Offer
July 2023
Chemistry Staffing will help screen potential candidates and narrow the applicants pool down to a single individual. At that point, that candidate will be invited to speak at TCC in some capacity, and after prayerful consideration, the Pastoral Selection Team will decide whether to extend an offer for the position.
Pastor Ron’s Final Sunday as Lead Pastor
August 27, 2023
Pastor Ron has determined that his last Sunday as Lead Pastor will be August 27. At that time, we will celebrate all God has done through him, Kim, and their family and pray together about the coming transition as we anticipate what God will do in the future for Pastor Ron, Kim, and TCC.
Lead Pastor Transition
September 10, 2023
The transition of roles and responsibilities to Pastor Eric will begin with full support of Pastor Ron, the staff, the Leadership Team and the church. When Pastor Eric begins his role here at Twin Cities, Pastor Ron and Kim will take a season of sabbatical to rest, provide support, and serve the church as needed.
Lead Pastor Selection Team
Kip Craig
Kip and his wife Lilly and their three children were among the founding members of TCC. Kip has worn many hats serving at TCC, including serving on the Leadership Team. His favorite has always been serving in the preschool on Sundays. He loves how easy it is for new people to attend and get involved and encourages them to do so. He and Lilly enjoy any time they get to spend with their kids, their five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren!
Janene Bello
Janene has lived in Grass Valley since 1988 and has been attending TCC since 1997. She loves Jesus, His Word, seeking Him, and learning about Him. Janene and her husband, Mike, went to Africa with TCC in 2007 and that trip solidified their walk with Jesus. It was life changing. It really grew a desire to go deeper in their faith walk and spurred them on to commit their lives to Him and serve Him in whatever way He calls. One thing Janene most appreciates about our church is that it meets people right where they are, just like Jesus did! That's what TCC did for them. We offer so many ways to grow and learn.
Brett Malech
Brett, his wife Kristi, and three kids, first began attending TCC when they moved to the area in 2001. It didn’t take long before Brett was serving with the Junior High Ministry and then with the Church Leadership Team. Since 2009 he has served on staff as our Serve & Operations Pastor. Brett is an amazing servant, always willing to step in and help someone in need. He loves to be outdoors and works on his disc golf game regularly. Having a heart for those with special needs, Brett appreciates how we love everyone always and how we’ve partnered with our community in serving those with different abilities.
Mike Bratton
Mike and his wife Robin moved to Nevada County 45 years ago. Today their three married children and six grandchildren all live within ten minutes of their home. They have been attending Twin Cities Church for 20 years and cherish their church. Mike loves everything about TCC, the worship music, the messages, the fellowship, the community outreach programs, and of course the pastors and the wonderful staff. Over the last 20 years, TCC has helped Mike grow his love for Jesus and know He is always there for him. He’s humbled and thankful to be able to serve on the TCC Leadership Team.
Nathan Dunham
Nathan has been a part of Twin Cities since 2011 and has watched his children grow up here. In fact, he had his children strapped to his chest as babies when he was involved in the ministry of ushering and greeting. Now they are too big for that. Being part of this church family filled a need that he and his wife Selene had, moving to a new town where we did not know very many people. He considers many of the folks here at TCC now his close friends and family. They thrive in their small life group where they can go deep and develop relationships outside of the experience on Sunday morning. He is excited to be part of a church where the truth is declared without apology and where Jesus is made known as the ONLY way, the truth, and the life.
Mark Hadley
Mark Hadley is the Spiritual Growth Pastor here at Twin Cities Church. He has served here for over 17 years. Mark loves that TCC is a welcoming place where anyone can come and hear about Jesus. Mark and his wife Teri live in Grass Valley, and have two daughters Ciera and Brooke, a little dog Sami, and seven chickens. They love hiking, biking, gardening, and watersports.

Natalie Thompson
Natalie has been on our staff team since 2007 and will tell you she is here because TCC is a “come as you are” church where everyone is welcome. Natalie serves as a Senior Director leading our Care and Chaplain ministries. She values authenticity, walking alongside others through life’s most difficult seasons, and seeing lives transformed. She and her husband, Keith, love Jesus, learning, the outdoors, and spending time with their three grandkids.

Patrick Nicholls
Patrick’s family started attending Twin Cities back in 1992 when Patrick was still in junior high school! Patrick joined our staff team in 1997 and is currently our Senior Communications Director. He loves the fact that Twin Cities truly does love our community and works really hard to serve people in an altruistic way. Serving on staff with his wife, April (she’s been on staff since 1999!), they share a busy life with three kids (2, 13, and 14 years old).
Shelley Desmond
Shelley and her husband Marc started attending TCC nearly 25 years ago, shortly after moving to Nevada County. In 2011, Shelley joined our staff as the Accounting Assistant and soon took on the Assistant to the Lead Pastor role as well. Her favorite thing about TCC is the people and that we Love Everyone Always, just like Jesus modeled for us! Shelley and Marc like nothing better than visiting and traveling with their two daughters and their husbands, and all seven grandkids, usually with a beach, lake, or river nearby.
