Lead Minister Search

Roger Hendricks has been the Senior Minister since the founding of Southwest 29 years ago. In that time he has carried out his role well and has set an enduring example of loving God, loving others, serving the community, and sharing Jesus. Knowing the time would eventually come to find the next Lead Minister, Roger began preparing the church and its leadership for his eventual succession.

Earlier this year Roger and his wife, Jayne, felt the time was right, and he approached the church elders and leadership to begin praying, fasting, and preparing for the succession process to move forward. Southwest’s leaders have been preparing for this for the last several months including an announcement of Roger’s retirement plans and timeline on August 23rd.

Southwest is a healthy church with a meaningful presence in Springboro and the surrounding communities. We have a story worth celebrating, a mission worth giving our lives to, and a future worth getting excited about.

And we believe the next chapter will require leadership that can connect with a new generation—someone who loves Jesus deeply, handles Scripture faithfully, leads with humility and courage, and is willing to roll up their sleeves and help Southwest become the church God is calling us to be.

We aren't looking for someone to simply maintain what already exists.
We're looking for someone who wants to help us build what comes next.
We believe Southwest's best days aren't behind us. By God's grace, there is still so much more ahead.

If you have a question about the succession process, please email the Southwest Church Elders.

The Lead Minister carries primary spiritual and visionary leadership for the church, shepherding the congregation and staff toward the mission of Southwest Church. This role is the church's spiritual leader responsible for preaching and teaching, vision-casting, and pastoral oversight of the flock. The Lead Minister focuses primarily outward and upward: proclaiming the Word, shaping the church's spiritual direction, developing leaders, and representing the church to the congregation and community.

Springboro, OH is one of those rare communities that offers the perfect balance of small-town charm and big-city convenience. Nestled between Dayton and Cincinnati, Springboro gives residents easy access to two major cities while maintaining its own strong sense of identity. Known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Springboro consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Ohio. The historic downtown, with its unique shops, restaurants, and seasonal festivals, creates a warm, welcoming environment where neighbors quickly become friends.

Beyond its charm, Springboro is a place of opportunity and growth. The city boasts beautiful parks, bike trails, and recreational spaces, making it ideal for those who value an active lifestyle. Families appreciate the highly rated Springboro Community Schools, while professionals enjoy short commutes to nearby business hubs. Whether you’re drawn by the vibrant community events, the rich history, or the promise of a safe and thriving environment, Springboro offers a quality of life that is hard to match. It’s more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.