Indecision is a difficult place to be. You make lists of pros and cons. You pray for guidance and clarity and a clear sense of God’s call. You talk to wise people who know you and love you. On some days, you’re convinced that God wants you here. On other days, you believe that he wants you there.
Joel and Anna lived in this time of indecision for many months, ever since they opened themselves to the possibility of leaving Trinity CRC in Abbotsford, B.C. and began conversations with two other churches: Neland CRC in Grand Rapids, and Hope Fellowship. These conversations led to two calls, putting Joel into the enviable position of having a choice. But along with that choice came that trying period of indecision.
I told Joel that our (mine and Marja's) three criteria for accepting a call were best fit, biggest need and strongest prompting of the Spirit. Joel wisely added a fourth, saying, “Pastors also go where they’re wanted.” How true. That’s why potential pastors must receive at least 80% of the membership’s vote.
I don’t know which one of these four criteria ultimately swayed Joel and Anna to accept the call to Grand Rapids. All I know is that they finally have the peace that comes from making a decision. And I’m happy for them.
Their decision leaves us disappointed and faced with much to do. The Succession Planning team, in particular, has worked together for a year already, doing an exemplary job. But they will have to dig deep and find strength from God to carry on with their task. Please encourage them.
Thankfully, two very good things have come out of this process. First, we now have two clear job descriptions that will help us search for one pastor who is wired to help us be an internally strong church and another pastor who is wired to help Hope Fellowship be externally focused. Secondly, we have a leadership that is more united than ever, as evidenced by the fact that the Succession Planning team, the administrative elders on the Vision Leadership Board, the pastoral elders and the deacons were unanimous in their recommendation to call Joel to help us be internally strong.
The tone and content of Joel and Anna’s letter of decline affirms the fact that Joel would have been a wonderful pastor for us. Neland CRC are blessed to have them as part of their next chapter and we wish them well together. As for us, God already knows the person(s) He has in mind for us. We just have to go through some more indecision until His desire for us becomes clear.
- Pastor Peter
Joel and Anna lived in this time of indecision for many months, ever since they opened themselves to the possibility of leaving Trinity CRC in Abbotsford, B.C. and began conversations with two other churches: Neland CRC in Grand Rapids, and Hope Fellowship. These conversations led to two calls, putting Joel into the enviable position of having a choice. But along with that choice came that trying period of indecision.
I told Joel that our (mine and Marja's) three criteria for accepting a call were best fit, biggest need and strongest prompting of the Spirit. Joel wisely added a fourth, saying, “Pastors also go where they’re wanted.” How true. That’s why potential pastors must receive at least 80% of the membership’s vote.
I don’t know which one of these four criteria ultimately swayed Joel and Anna to accept the call to Grand Rapids. All I know is that they finally have the peace that comes from making a decision. And I’m happy for them.
Their decision leaves us disappointed and faced with much to do. The Succession Planning team, in particular, has worked together for a year already, doing an exemplary job. But they will have to dig deep and find strength from God to carry on with their task. Please encourage them.
Thankfully, two very good things have come out of this process. First, we now have two clear job descriptions that will help us search for one pastor who is wired to help us be an internally strong church and another pastor who is wired to help Hope Fellowship be externally focused. Secondly, we have a leadership that is more united than ever, as evidenced by the fact that the Succession Planning team, the administrative elders on the Vision Leadership Board, the pastoral elders and the deacons were unanimous in their recommendation to call Joel to help us be internally strong.
The tone and content of Joel and Anna’s letter of decline affirms the fact that Joel would have been a wonderful pastor for us. Neland CRC are blessed to have them as part of their next chapter and we wish them well together. As for us, God already knows the person(s) He has in mind for us. We just have to go through some more indecision until His desire for us becomes clear.
- Pastor Peter
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