After 45 years, Oklahoma megachurch pastor Marty Grubbs steps into emeritus role
Photo: Crossway Church (wearecrossway.org)The longtime leader of one of Oklahoma City's largest churches is stepping down. On Sunday, October 25, the Rev. Marty Grubbs told Crossings Community Church members he is retiring as senior pastor after 45 years leading the congregation, and will become senior pastor emeritus.
In that new role, Grubbs will continue to be part of the church's teaching team and preach on occasion, according to a statement on the church's website quoted by The Oklahoman. “After 45 incredible years of leading Crossings, Marty has thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared for this next chapter,” the statement said. “He has invested deeply in building a gifted leadership team. He and his family will remain an integral part of our church family.”
The church's leadership team will oversee day-to-day operations and decision-making as Grubbs transitions out of those responsibilities, the church said. The announcement did not specify the exact date his retirement takes effect.
The transition has a set timetable for choosing his successor: a member of the board of elders will share the name of the board's unanimous choice for the church's new senior pastor on November 1, according to the church's frequently asked questions page. The congregation will then have two weeks to get acquainted with the choice before voting on the matter on November 15.
Crossings' main campus sits near Memorial Road and Portland Avenue in Oklahoma City, and the church has grown under Grubbs into a multi-site ministry with satellite campuses including Crossings Edmond and Crossings Mayfair, plus a Christian school that opened in 2005, prison ministries at 25 prisons, a community clinic and a community center that serves as the church's missions hub.
Sources: The Oklahoman (Oct 25, 2026); Focal News (Oct 25, 2026); Crossings Community Church statement and FAQ.
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