Following Rev. Brown’s departure, Rev. Kirt Anderson was installed as the sixth Pastor of Worship Ministries on September 22, 1996, and remained in that position until June 1999. During this period a time of stress for the church evolved resulting in several staff transitions including the Children’s Director, Minister of Christian Formation, Youth Director, Executive Pastor, Minister of Outreach, and Pastor of Congregational Care.

To assist the congregation in a process of healing and new direction, Rev. Rick Veenstra was appointed interim senior pastor in October 1999. He facilitated taking the leadership and congregation through a season of reflection and discussion about what Christ Memorial should become in the future. He continued in this role until July 2001.