A Season of Leadership Transition at Cape Christian
Walking Together in Unity, Prayer, and Faith
Cape Christian is entering an important season of pastoral transition. After nearly nine years as Lead Pastor, Pastor Cory and his family sensed through prayer and reflection that it was time to step into a new chapter. They will be relocating to Nebraska, where their daughter will complete high school, and Cory will continue his work in leadership development, coaching, and consulting.
Following an extensive and prayerful process, the Board unanimously appointed Kyle Jackson as the next Lead Pastor of Cape Christian. Kyle brings more than 15 years of ministry experience and longstanding family ties to Southwest Florida. Together, we step into this transition with unity, trust, and anticipation for all that God has ahead.
HEAR DIRECTLY FROM BOTH PASTORS
Below you’ll find video messages from both pastors as they share their hearts and hopes for this season.
MEET PASTOR KYLE JACKSON
Kyle Jackson comes to Cape Christian with more than 15 years of pastoral experience, including campus leadership, teaching team roles, and developing coaching networks for pastors and leaders. Most recently, he served as the Columbus, Georgia Campus Pastor at Church of the Highlands. His ministry is marked by a passion for helping people say yes to Jesus, discover their God-given purpose, and live out their faith in practical, everyday ways.
Kyle and his wife, Jennifer, are no strangers to Southwest Florida. Jennifer’s family has lived in the region for many years, making this transition a meaningful return to a place that already feels like home. Married for 18 years, Kyle and Jennifer have two children, Kaylee (12) and Cooper (7). Their family enjoys pickleball, youth sports, dance, traveling together, and cheering for Auburn University, and they are excited to build new relationships and serve the Cape Christian family.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find clarity and transparency as we walk through this season together.
Why is Pastor Cory transitioning out of his role?
When Pastor Cory accepted the Lead Pastor role in 2017, he shared that he did not anticipate serving as the long-term leader and committed to a minimum of five years. After nearly nine years of ministry at Cape Christian, he and his family sensed clearly, through prayer and reflection, that God was leading them into a new season. They will be relocating to Nebraska, where their daughter will complete high school, and Cory will continue his work in leadership development, coaching, and consulting.
Who will be the next Lead Pastor?
The Board has appointed Kyle Jackson as the next Lead Pastor of Cape Christian. Kyle currently serves as Campus Pastor at Church of the Highlands’ Columbus, Georgia campus and has more than 15 years of ministry experience.
What is Kyle’s ministry background?
Kyle’s experience includes campus leadership, teaching team responsibilities, multisite campus development, next steps ministry, and pastoral coaching networks. He also previously served at a church in Southwest Florida. Kyle and his family have deep ties to SWFL through his wife Jennifer’s family.
What will happen to the church’s vision, programs, and ministries?
Cape Christian’s mission will stay the same as we try to reach as many people in Southwest Florida as possible. The church’s ongoing building project also remains a priority as we move into this next season under Kyle’s leadership.
When will the transition officially occur?
Cory and Kyle will lead together throughout winter and spring. The formal pastoral handoff is planned for June 2026.
What is Cory going to do next?
Cory will continue his work in leadership development, coaching, and consulting, investing in leaders, businesses, and organizations. His family will relocate to Nebraska for this next chapter.
TRANSITION TIMELINE
HOW TO PRAY WITH US
As we walk through this season of transition, we are leaning into God’s faithfulness and trusting Him with every detail. Prayer is one of the most meaningful ways we can stay unified as a church family. We invite you to join us in lifting up both the Demmel and Jackson families, our church leadership, and the future God is preparing for Cape Christian. Please join us in praying for:
- Pastor Cory and his family as they step into a new season
- Pastor Kyle and his family as they transition into their new home and community
- Unity, peace, and discernment for our church family
- Wisdom for our leadership during this extended transition
- Continued impact as Cape Christian serves Southwest Florida
STAY CONNECTED
As we move through this season of transition, our heart is to keep our church family informed, supported, and unified. We know transitions can bring questions, and we want you to know that you’re not navigating this alone. Our leadership team is here to pray with you, answer questions, and provide clarity whenever needed.
We’ll continue to share updates, videos, and opportunities to connect with the Jackson family. Thank you for your faith, your unity, and your commitment to what God is doing in and through Cape Christian.
