Marty Grubbs Announces Retirement From Crossings Community Church
The veteran leader concludes a 45-year tenure as senior pastor in Oklahoma City.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Christianity
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After serving for 45 years, Marty Grubbs has officially announced his retirement as the senior pastor of Crossings Community Church. He will transition into the role of senior pastor emeritus while remaining part of the church's teaching team.
Why it matters
The transition marks a significant leadership shift for the Oklahoma City congregation, which has expanded its reach to include a K-12 school and extensive prison ministries under Grubbs' guidance.
Grubbs led the congregation for 45 years, overseeing the expansion of church ministries into 25 separate prison locations. The ministry also launched Crossings Christian School in 2005.
The players
Marty Grubbs
He is the long-serving senior pastor of Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City who is retiring after 45 years of leadership.
Crossings Community Church
This Oklahoma City-based religious institution operates a large main campus at Memorial Road and Portland Avenue along with a private school and various outreach programs.
The details
Grubbs will continue to preach on occasion following his official retirement. The search for his successor is currently in its final stages, with the church board preparing to present a recommendation to the congregation.
Timeline
Crossings Christian School opened its doors in 2005.
Marty Grubbs announced his retirement on October 25, 2026.
The church board will announce their choice for the new senior pastor on November 1, 2026.
The congregation is scheduled to vote on the new senior pastor on November 15, 2026.
Culture Shift
This transition follows the historical trend of long-tenured senior pastors in mega-church environments where a singular leader defines the institutional identity for decades. The move highlights how established religious organizations manage generational shifts in leadership.
Members of the congregation will participate in a formal vote on November 15 to confirm the next senior pastor. Daily operations of the school and prison ministries are expected to continue as the church transitions to its new leadership structure.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions in long-standing institutions require a structured and transparent process to maintain organizational stability. Congregants should review the upcoming board announcement to understand the future direction of the church.
What happens next
The church board will announce their chosen candidate for senior pastor on November 1, 2026, followed by a formal congregational vote on November 15, 2026.
Further reading
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