To say the past six years have been some of the best years of our lives would be an understatement. We came here six years ago with nothing but a passion to pastor, a small car, and a few possessions that somewhat filled the parsonage. Since then, we’ve been blessed with two beautiful children (who you have welcomed and embraced as your own), a lovable dog, and a board and congregation who earnestly explored what ministry could, and would, look like in the Bay Roberts area. We are beyond blessed and continue to see the future of Bethel as a bright light in the area.
Over the past several months, God has been dealing with our hearts and calling us to ask the difficult question of whether we’re supposed to lead Bethel forward, or someone else. We concluded that we would evaluate opportunities as they found us and discern if God was leading us in another direction, or if our calling to stay would become clear.
Several opportunities came and went, with no peace to pursue. We carried on leading with as much passion as before, knowing that Bethel doesn’t stop ministry simply because their pastor is navigating their future.
Earlier this year a church approached us, wondering if we would be interested in leading them through some missional endeavours as they desire to further define who they are as a church and become a community-minded congregation. After much prayer and consideration, we have felt led to accept this call, and to submit our resignation as Bethel’s Lead Pastor.
The most difficult part of this journey is knowing that we no longer get the privilege of ministering with Bethel when we leave. We have passionately led with our hearts on our sleeves, and the Bethel family is very much a part of us, as it is a part of you.
While it is difficult to let go, we know we have to exit so that your new pastor can effectively lead you through the challenges and excitement of tomorrow. We can confidently tell you that the future is bright. We know the mission, values, and vision of this assembly will fuel the incoming pastor as he/she leads you forward.
Many of you can share testimonies of how God remains faithful in times of transition. Whether you have journeyed with us from our 2012 start, have joined along the way, or have recently become a part of the Bethel family, God will remain faithful in the days ahead.
Bethel is not my church – it is God’s church. It’s His Kingdom, and Jesus is the reigning King. He will build His church and equip the local assembly with the right pastor, for the right time, and with the right set of skills for the days ahead.
You have my prayers and complete support as the board and search committee engages in the pastoral search process.
The road ahead is bright, and if you allow our mission of GROWING together as we WORSHIP, LOVE & SERVE to guide the process of selecting a pastor, and let go of the details of what ministry looks like exactly, God will line up the right leader to lead you forward. He or she will lead you in new and beautiful ways – to places we could never take you.
Thank you for being a phenomenal congregation; fully supportive, and engaged in ministry. Continue to take initiative; remembering it takes a team of committed volunteers to move a local assembly forward.
I say that, because ministry is bigger than me – you don’t volunteer to help the pastor, you work to advance the Kingdom! So continue to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”
Bethel has become an authentic church family that will always hold a special place in our hearts and will certainly have the same effect on your incoming pastor.
A pastor cannot ask for any better!
On behalf of Deidre, Rae, Pierson (and of course our dog, Batman), thank you for loving us and allowing us to become a part of the Bethel family, and to lead you forward.
Blessings.
