Charles (Chuck) Swindoll, founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, has announced his retirement from the church. This comes just months after the beloved pastor moved into a founding role at Stonebriar. Swindoll plans to shift fully to his work with Insight for Living.
“I am endlessly grateful for the privilege of serving this church and witnessing the transformative power of God in our lives,” Swindoll shared in a statement.
Chuck Swindoll Retires From Stonebriar After 26 Years at Stonebriar Community Church
Chuck Swindoll shared his “gratitude and bittersweet reflection” as he announced his retirement from preaching ministry at Stonebriar Community Church. “After 26 incredible years as your senior pastor,” he said, “the time has come for me to retire from Stonebriar—and embrace a new chapter in my life.” Jonathan Murphy will continue as the church’s senior pastor.
Swindoll will soon celebrate his 90th birthday. But he’s far from done participating in ministry. “I’ve always believed that age is merely a number; what truly matters is our commitment to fulfilling the divine purpose laid out before us,” said Swindoll. “I want to embrace every day, every challenge, and every opportunity to impact lives, because one never retires from the work of God’s kingdom.”
“I have been told that I carry my years with a certain youthful spirit, and you know what? I believe it,” Swindoll continued. “With this invigorating perspective, I am excited to shift my singular focus to Insight for Living.”
In 1979, Swindoll and his wife, Cynthia, founded Insight for Living as a radio broadcast of his teaching. The organization has since grown into a global ministry via more than 2,100 radio stations and intentional programming to encourage and equip young pastors.
Swindoll has written more than 70 books and plans to continue writing in his more focused role. “At Insight for Living, I’ll be diving into weekly meetings, encouraging passionate young pastors, recording podcasts, and even writing a few books,” Swindoll jokingly said. “Yes, you heard that right—just your average activities for a 90-year-old, right?”
His call to a life in ministry came right after his tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps. For more than 55 years, Swindoll has pastored churches in Texas, California, and Massachusetts. The Swindolls plan to continue attending Stonbriar as their church home. “This will always be our church family,” he said. “And we look forward to attending Pastor Jonathan’s sermons each week, cherishing the humor and timeless teaching he brings to our beloved church.”
Swindoll, his wife Cynthia, and his trusted advisors have been prayerfully considering this transition for some time. “This decision was not made lightly. Each moment spent with you has shaped me, taught me, and filled my heart with joy,” he said. “Together, we have built a vibrant community grounded in faith, hope, and love. We have shared countless memories, celebrated milestones, and faced challenges hand in hand.”
“I encourage you to continue living out the values we cherish, to support one another, and to love your neighbors as Christ loves us,” Swindoll said. “I will carry each one of you in my heart as I move forward.”
 Swindoll, founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, has announced his retirement from the church. This comes just months after the beloved pastor moved into a founding role at Stonebriar.){kind=link}