In April 2018, my wife and I started what I’ve been calling Search for a Church 2.0. We visited five congregations by May, and another five by June. By August we expanded our visiting to include three more congregations. Over the last several months we’ve focused our time in just a few of these congregations.
Pastoral Transitions
During our nine month search, three of the thirteen congregations have undergone or announced that they will soon undergo a change in pastoral leadership.
Trinity Episcopal Church – in May Rev. Carlye J. Hughes was chosen 11th bishop of the Diocese of Newark ending her 6 years as Rector of TEC- Celebration Community Church – in December Rev. Carol A. West preached her final sermon before retiring after 20 years as the Senior Pastor of CCC
- First Presbyterian Church – in December Rev. Karl Travis announced he will complete his ministry at FPC in January 2019 after serving for 11 1/2 years as Senior Pastor due to his declining health
So What?
I’m no stranger to pastoral transition as my last three ministry roles started when a Senior Pastor or (solo) Pastor left a congregation. And, I’m well aware of the importance of worship and pastoral leadership as part of the overall discernment involved in selecting a church.
With confidence that God is still speaking in 2019, we will continue our search for a church (2.0).
Note: The congregations on our short list have a variety of denominational affiliations: 3 Presbyterian (PCUSA), 3 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 2 United Church of Christ, 1 Episcopal, 1 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, 1 Unitarian Universalist, 1 United Methodist, and 1 non-denominational congregation