Sitting in the Second Seat: Unique Leadership Dynamics in a Great Cape Cod Church

Rob Neufeld is an associate pastor at CapeFaith Church in Osterville, where Judson Adams serves as senior pastor. CapeFaith is a vibrant and growing church with an interesting leadership dynamic: Rob Neufeld is not only the associate pastor, he is also the father-in-law of the senior pastor, Judson Adams. 

Rob was saved in 1976, when he was 16 years old. Soon afterward, while on a mission trip to Mexico, he sensed a very clear call to vocational ministry. Rob worked his way through school and graduated in 1985 from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. For more than thirty years, since 1990, he has been in vocational ministry. However, Rob never felt called to be a senior pastor, but instead filled the role of youth pastor, worship pastor, and associate pastor in several churches in Texas and Missouri. 

In February, 2022, Rob and his wife, Cindy moved to New England where Rob began his ministry as Associate Pastor at CapeFaith Church. Some of his key responsibilities are overseeing baptisms and leading the New Members' Class. 

I recently interviewed Rob to discuss the benefits and challenges of serving on the pastoral staff where his son-in-law is the senior pastor. Below is Rob's response to my questions: 

Sam: “Rob, what are some of the positive and negative aspects in your unique ministry relationship?”

Rob: “On the positive side, because Judson is my son-in-law, there were no surprises when I joined the staff. Because I already knew Judson very well, I knew what I was getting into. Additionally, my wife and I get to be very close to our daughter and grandchildren. On the negative side, some people may wrongly assume that I'm here due to favoritism and not because of my gifts and calling.” 

Sam: “Rob, what attitudes are necessary to make your unique relationship work?”

Rob: “It works because I never felt called to serve as the senior pastor of a church. To serve as an associate pastor, under the leadership of your son-in-law, you must be at peace with yourself, content with your own gifts and calling. I feel very comfortable being in the ‘second seat.’ It is very fulfilling to be in a supportive role, providing wisdom and encouragement to the senior pastor.”

Rob's example of humble ministry, being content to sit in the second seat, and finding joy in providing wisdom, encouragement, and support to his son-in-law, Judson Adams, is an invaluable treasure. Every senior pastor and every church should have a pastor like Rob on their team. I believe it's one of the key ingredients of every strong and vibrant church: humble, gifted, and experienced associate pastors, content to sit in the second seat! Thank you, Rob Neufeld, for your example. Thank you, Rob, for coming to serve in New England! 

Sam Taylor serves as the Boston area regional coordinator at the Baptist Churches of New England.