Prayers for the Search

Please continue to pray for the committee searching for our next lead minister.  The committee is being led by Tori Moore and consists of Cassandra Benton, Nate Bostic, Samuel Green, Rod Karr, Bob Phillips, Leann Sosamon and Jim Taylor.  This committee has been meeting regularly, and they have started the process of soliciting for and receiving resumes of potential candidates to fill our pulpit.  Part of the process of soliciting resumes is providing information about our church and the position. The search committee and the elders have developed a church and candidate profile which answers many of the questions that a candidate might have, but the committee is also charged with providing additional information that might not be included in the profile.  Additionally, the committee is currently using the profile to develop screening criteria that will be used to provide the elders with the top candidates to interview. 
 
Because of the nature of the search and the need to maintain confidentiality with the prospective candidates, we will not be able to share a lot of specific information about the applicants.  I can tell you that we have already received a couple of resumes and have contacted several others who are praying about this opportunity.  What we want everyone to know is that the window is now open for those who would like to apply.  Spreading the word is something that everyone can help with.  If you know of Godly men who are strong leaders and articulate God’s Word in a powerful way, and you feel this person would be a good fit for our church, then we encourage you to invite them to submit a resume.  Please remember to be sensitive to this person’s current situation, contacting them privately and not on social media.  The church and lead minister profile is available for you to have and pass along at the Welcome Center, on the church’s website and in the church office.  Resumes should be returned to the attention of the search committee at the church’s address or the search committee’s email that is listed on the profile.  If you would prefer for the search committee to contact your individual, please forward his name and contact information to Tori Moore or Cassandra Benton, and someone from the committee will reach out to them to gauge their interest.  While we continue to work in God’s timing, we have set a target of mid to late January to have resumes collected so that we may begin interviewing in early February. 
 
You may help by telling those in your network about our open position, but more importantly: Pray!  Pray expectantly knowing that God has a plan and He is already preparing who He wants to be our next lead minister.  Pray for the leadership as we strive to listen for where God is leading in this time of transition.  Pray for the search committee and their discernment in this process.  Pray that in all things God will be Glorified!
 
During your prayers of Thanksgiving this week lift up a special prayer of thankfulness for Pete and his leadership during this time of transition.  A lot of specific things fell into place so that Pete was available. Know that I see this as God’s hand at work, and this gives me reassurance of God’s faithfulness and the expectation of His continued blessings in the next season. 
 
In addition to Pete, be thankful for all of the staff members.  I am so privileged to be able to see how hard they work in their own respective ministries, and each has gained my respect and admiration.  Each lives out being the hands and feet of Jesus, and they continually show His love to others and desire everyone to know Him in a personal and profound way.  Each is the example for all of us on how to bring someone to Jesus - not just telling us about Him.  I love our staff and they are doing a great job.
 
Don’t forget that the bi-annual congregational meeting to approve the MAP is at the end of both services on December 8th.
 
Wishing you all a very blessed Thanksgiving!
 
Blessings
Mark Behrends
Chairman of the Congregation.