Editor’s Note: The following press release was issued by Perimeter Church on Sept. 19.

On Sunday, September 22, Randy Pope, the founding pastor of Perimeter Church, will give his final charge to the congregation as its senior pastor. Pope announced he will transition to a full-time role as assistant pastor of the church and president and CEO of Perimeter’s Life on Life discipleship ministry.

Pope founded Perimeter Church in 1977 and has served as senior pastor since that time.

“When we planted this church, we did so with the intention to attempt something so great for God that it is doomed to failure, lest He be in it,” Pope said. “My wife, Carol, and I could not have imagined how much God would accomplish in and through this church over the past 42 years.”

In September 1977, 20 people attended the first Perimeter Church worship service in vacated office space located over a small Buford Highway strip mall. From those humble beginnings, the church has grown into a ministry that has far-reaching impact throughout Atlanta and the world. Pope contemplated on the future of the church he planted.

“Perimeter Church, in my opinion, is the healthiest it has ever been,” he said. “And I believe that we are going to see the best years to come. I think they lie ahead of us. We have laid a foundation, and it will just keep going. My hope is that the next generation is going to continue to build on it and build on it and build on it. God’s kingdom will just keep coming for generations to come.

On the evening of September 22, Jeff Norris, current assistant directional leader, will be installed as the new senior pastor for the 4,500-member church. Norris was confirmed by the church at a special congregational meeting in March.