06/09/2026
📝 Note from the Elders:
As you are all aware, Derek Williams informed us of his desire to retire at the end of May as our Associate Minister. When Derek spoke to us about retiring, he recommended Chase Surrell to replace his role as an Associate Minister because he was aware that Chase was thinking about transitioning out of youth ministry. After discussion, Chase informed the Elders he had been contemplating a change in his ministry role at Great Oaks within the next 2-3 years, but Derek’s resignation accelerated his thoughts & timeline. After much prayer and discussions with those involved, Chase will be transitioning away from his role as our Youth Minister at the end of this Summer.
After an exhaustive search with the help of our ministry team and after interviewing multiple candidates, the Elders have already found his replacement, Noah Vann. Noah is a 2015 graduate of Freed-Hardeman University who has been serving as a Youth and Family Minister in the Huntsville, AL area. He is the husband of Megan, and is a father of 2 children, Emmett & Beckett. We are so blessed and excited that Noah has accepted our invitation to come and work with us.
Chase will transition from his current position of Youth Minister at the end
of the Summer to the role of Associate Minster. Additionally, Gary Reaves’ role will also be changed to Associate Minister, as he and Chase will be fulfilling all the present
responsibilities that Derek and Gary formerly shared. During this Summer transition
period, the Elders, along with Chase and Gary, will be finalizing the division of all the
responsibilities they will share to best meet the needs of the church while maximizing
their strengths.
We are all excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and are ever thankful for the
blessings that God continues to pour upon us as we strive to do His will and increase
His Kingdom! We ask for your support, help and patience as we navigate this transition and hope that you will join us in praying for the success of these upcoming changes and for Chase, Gary, and Noah going forward.
