Glenwood Church of Christ – Preacher Search Update Announcement
So, “Where are we with the preacher search?” That has been one of the persistent questions we’ve been hearing from this congregation, and rightly so, as we have just passed the one-year mark since Jeff Christian resigned and relocated to Houston. As we continue to work and pray about our search for a new preaching minister, we acknowledge that times of change and transition can be unsettling to some of us, while others can readily look forward to new promises and new challenges. As we’ve expressed before, the elders have been actively and prayerfully engaged in searching for the minister that God is leading to us. We sincerely appreciate the many words and notes of encouragement and support that we’ve received over these months of our Season of Transition. We are humbled by the way so many of you have made this search a topic of prayer, and we continue to seek God’s guidance.
The elders want to especially thank our ministry and office support staff members who have shouldered so many extra burdens during this past year, along with the dozens of volunteers who have given so much of their time in maintaining the quality of our programs of ministry while we have been without some key staff members. We have been blessed by the addition of two key ministers, and we are looking forward to the ways that Tim Hicks and Brad Sullivan will influence us for years to come! This congregation has also been extremely blessed by the outstanding preaching ministers who have filled our pulpit this year; Dan Bouchelle, Dwight Robarts, Ben Siburt, Bert Reynolds, Randy Harris, Curt Niccum, Jerry Frazier, Freddie Anderson, Marty Koonce, Tommy King, Andy Luster, Paul Faulkner and John Siburt. We are especially grateful for the ongoing commitment Ronnie White has made to us as he has regularly shared his experience, gifts, passion and energy.
In the midst of the uncertainty of the times, our attendance, offerings, and acts of ministry continue at steady or increasing levels, and the sweet spirit of unity, love and devotion to our LORD has never been greater!
Since December, our search for a preaching minister has consisted of the elders making and following up on confidential contacts, and having private conversations with prospective candidates. In keeping with the nature of the position and the needs of top-quality candidates, this has been a completely “under-the-radar” process, which is still ongoing. Whenever a particularly strong or well-suited candidate has emerged, we have focused on him, temporarily suspending broader search efforts, to allow time for the necessary in-depth conversations to occur.
At this time, we are still in the midst of those conversations, praying for an extra measure of communal discernment and guidance. We do not have a date to give you when the process will be completed. The elders are completely united and committed to carrying out this search process, as we are being led by God Almighty. We are open to hearing your suggestions and questions, and we intend to get your input on a more formal basis soon. We are also considering other options and ways to assemble the ministry staff to enhance the equipping and empowering of the saints of Glenwood. Our goal is to communicate with you more regularly about this search.
We are looking forward to some special events this year, including the special Easter services planned for later this month and the 60th Anniversary celebration in July. This will be a great year for Glenwood! Our God has blessed us in so many ways over so many years, and we eagerly await His guidance and blessings as we move forward!
