Service on Saturday, February 24 will be held at the Prosper campus (2000 W Prosper Trail). We will not meet at Frisco East or stream this service online.
Eric Sebastian has served in ministry for over 18 years, including the last 14 years at Hope Fellowship, where he has helped lead, shepherd, and shape the church through seasons of growth and change. With a deep love for Jesus, a passion for God’s Word, and a heart for people, Eric is committed to helping others know Jesus, live surrendered to Him, and walk in the purpose God has for their lives.

Eric joined Hope Fellowship in 2012 to help launch the McKinney campus as Student Pastor. In 2015, he became the McKinney Campus Pastor, and in 2019, he expanded his leadership to serve as Lead Groups Pastor across all Hope campuses. Throughout his time at Hope, Eric has also served as one of the church’s primary teaching pastors. His time in ministry has been marked by a commitment to biblical teaching, discipleship, developing leaders, and cultivating healthy church communities centered on Jesus. Eric graduated from Southeastern University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentrations in both Pastoral Ministries and Business. He is currently in his second year of pursuing his Masters degree at Liberty University.

Having served in multiple leadership roles throughout Hope’s history, Eric brings a unique understanding of the church’s people, culture, and mission. He believes deeply in the transforming power of the Gospel and the calling of the local church to make disciples who live out their faith in everyday life. His approach to leadership is rooted in biblical conviction, integrity, collaboration, and a prayerful dependence on God. For Eric, Hope Fellowship is much more than a place to serve. It’s home. Having walked alongside the people of Hope through seasons of celebration, growth, and challenge, he carries a deep love for the church and a strong sense of calling to lead it into the future.
Eric grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where he met his wife, Kandis, when they were just six years old. Today, they are grateful to call McKinney home alongside their two children, Noah and Ivy. As a family, they enjoy spending time together, cheering on their kids, and investing in the church community that has meant so much to them.

As Eric steps into the role of Lead Pastor, he does so with gratitude for all God has done at Hope Fellowship and great faith for what lies ahead. His heart is to faithfully build upon the church’s foundation while leading with fresh vision, a deep dependence on God, and an unwavering commitment to Jesus and His Church. Above all, Eric desires to see more people know Jesus, live surrendered to Him, and walk in the purpose God has for them.
Why was an internal candidate chosen over external candidates?
Our search process was wide and thorough, considering over 150 applicants from across the country. We evaluated five final candidates with equal rigor through theology, competency, and cultural fit lenses. Ultimately, Eric Sebastian demonstrated the rare combination of deep alignment with Hope’s core DNA, proven leadership through our hardest transitions, and a fresh, compelling vision for where God is calling us next.
What happens to our Co-Interim Lead Pastors, Aaron Alexander and Angela Linz?
Aaron and Angela have served with extraordinary grace, strength, and faithfulness during this interim season. They will continue in their critical executive leadership roles on the Executive Lead Team (ELT) resuming their titles of Executive Pastors, partnering closely with Pastor Eric Sebastian to lead our staff, campuses, and operational ministries.
What changes immediately for the church and staff?
In the immediate short-term, daily ministry, weekend services, small groups, and campus operations continue without disruption. Pastor Eric Sebastian will spend his first season listening, connecting across all campuses, and building out strategic alignment with our ELT and Board. 
When does Eric Sebastian officially assume full Lead Pastor responsibilities?
The transition was effective immediately following the Elder vote ratification, with the official congregational announcement being made on Friday, October 16, 2026.
How will Eric Sebastian’s previous duties be handled during this transition?
Reflecting on our journey, we are choosing not to hurry spiritual discernment simply to fill an open position. To ensure leadership continuity, our ELT will select an Interim Campus Pastor while initiating a comprehensive search. A hiring timeline is currently unavailable but further updates will be provided throughout this process.
What does the new leadership structure look like and how does it function?
Throughout this season, we have brought in an outside partner, Lead From Transformation (LFT) to help us navigate crisis, renewal, and future structures that hold everyone accountable. Within that, our team has done in depth governance and bylaw work, researched other church leadership structures and sought wise-counsel on what Hope Fellowship needs going forward. The Lead Pastor will be overseen by the Board of Directors and will partner closely with the Executive Pastors in a collaborative, shared leadership framework that allows for open communication and 360 feedback. All parties (Board of Directors, Elders, Executive Leadership Team, Church Staff) will have distinct roles and responsibilities, creating clarity into who oversees what and who holds each party responsible.
What changes have been made in order to provide more health, accountability, and support to Pastoral Leadership?
Multiple layers of accountability have been built into not only bylaws, but into our governance structure that not only distributes leadership responsibilities and decisions, but provides necessary checks and balances between all of the leadership bodies. In addition, a team of independent Overseers will be chosen by the Board of Directors and the Lead Pastor to provide spiritual & emotional accountability and support to the Lead Pastor. There is a Stewardship Committee that acts as an financial advisory committee to the Board, developing policies such as Financial Conflict of Interest policies to ensure continued financial health & accountability.