As most of you know by now, the Holy Spirit has been working in your pastor’s life, guiding and directing me in unforeseen, and unexpected ways. As a result, I have announced that I will be leaving PCN at the beginning of August in pursuit of God’s call in my life. My last day will be on Sunday, August 3rd. And I know such announcements can serve to take the breath right out of us. The announcement of such an abrupt and sudden change in a community of faith is the stuff that anxiety and fear feeds on. Maybe some of you are asking,
“Why?” Others may be wondering, “Is it us?” And again, others may be thinking ahead, “What are we going to do now?” These are natural questions and I hope to briefly address them with you in this article. Why? To this, I can simply offer the truth…I am following God’s call for my life. I know it sounds overly spiritual and perhaps cliche even, but it is THE reason. A life of discipleship is a life of change. Following after and answering God’s call can, and does, lead to unexpected places and outcomes. And it has been through no small amount of prayer, reflection, and even faithful wrestling that my family and I have made this decision.
Is it us? Not at all. The decision has nothing to do with you, PCN. You are a wonderful, loving community of faith. You are an extraordinary family of disciples who bears amazing Kingdom fruit and you have been this way throughout the years regardless of who your pastor has been. It’s embedded in the culture and DNA of this community. You can’t be anything else. This decision has to do with me and my sense of call at this time and place in my life. And, ultimately, I also think it is the best thing for PCN.
What are we going to do now? Fear not, for you are in good hands. Over the next few months the Presbytery and I will be guiding you through the next steps in this transition period. An interim pastor search committee will be formed to begin looking for an interim. This process does not take very long. When your interim is on board, they, with the Presbytery, will guide you through the next steps toward finding your next installed pastor. As you will hear throughout this process, it’s okay to have mixed feelings. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable and not know what’s around the corner. It’sokay to feel the need to do something and get some quick solution in place. But do not be in a rush. Pray. Lean on God a little more. Take time to listen to the Spirit at work in your midst. God will lead and direct in God’s time. Let God guide your discernment & movements.
You are a strong church, with strong leadership, & ample faith. You will not only endure during this time of transition, you will flourish, my friends. That is my prayer and hope for PCN. As I write this article, I do so with no small number of tears, knowing just how blessed this community is and knowing that God will be leading you into such marvelous abundance in the weeks, months, and years to come.
Until August, it will be my joy and honor to continue to serve with you in life and ministry. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need to talk, grab coffee, or pray.
With Care,
Pastor Adam
