It’s a Process
Pat McClelland
No doubt by now all ECC members are well aware of Jim and Sue Ladd’s departure for the great state of Colorado. Perhaps you heard that ECC Elders were asked earlier this year to help Jim’s previous church, Summit Church in Centennial, CO through some very significant challenges. Jim had been their pastor just prior to answering the call to come to Evergreen Christian Community, so he had great familiarity with their team and culture.
With an experienced ECC Board in tow he had the privilege of coaching them through some painful decisions. When Summit called inviting Jim to again serve as their pastor, he and Sue dug deep and sought the Lord’s will in that decision. We totally get how they arrived at the conclusion they did and, as you know, ECC sent them off with our blessing and encouragement. We miss them already, yet we see a very bright light at the end of this tunnel.
So, what now? Where does Evergreen go from here, and when? Who will be our next Lead Pastor and where will we find them? All great questions!
To begin - We Wait. You have to love Moses’ response to certain Israelites who in Numbers 9 were ceremonially unclean and would not be allowed to celebrate Passover with everyone else. They sought instruction from Moses about what to do, and he simply responded “wait until I inquire about what the Lord commands concerning you.” Though the circumstances are different, the instruction remains the same. This is where we begin, by seeking the Lord and waiting before commencing. That doesn’t mean we do nothing, it means we prepare for when He does speak to us. We list our desired attributes; we define the needed experience; we seek our own humility and likewise look for it from those we interview. And with each step we take, we wait.
Many have said to us “God’s got this.” And they’re right. Indeed, we’ve said the same. Yet, we have our part to play and are committed to doing so. We are fortunate to have significant experience among current and former Elder teams who have walked this path before. As the title of this missive states, it is indeed a process.
On October 4 we reviewed a somewhat lengthy list of desired attributes. On October 17 a member of the Assemblies of God Northwest Network will meet with us to offer ideas, and we will share with them what we think we need from the network. Things such as providing names of eligible pastors both inside and outside of our network, national wage scales, and more. We are putting communication processes in place, spending time with individual employees, leaders, and those who call ECC their church home. We will continue to engage our members in ideas and vetting. Much to do, to be sure.
Yet, we are at peace because we have an incredible teaching bench and an amazing staff. Jim is right, we have a highly capable team. Truly, spend time with any of them and you’ll know what we mean. With their efforts, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the dedication of our volunteers, and commitment of our members we remain in a great place.
ECC is not a person, but a force to be reckoned with. Everyone here loves Jesus, seeks Him first, loves our congregation and applies their skillset to advancing the Kingdom in this region. We don’t take this task lightly; nor do we think the enemy won’t try everything in his power to disrupt and discourage us. Please stand with us. Pray for and with us. Encourage one another. Share your ideas, and be patient. Your love for ECC is felt!
We loved this part of Jim’s prayer, when finishing his last message to ECC: “Lord, loosen the soil under the pastor and family you want to take the helm of ECC” Yes, please Lord, loosen the soil and guide us to that person.
You might like to know the Elder Board has been meeting twice monthly since October 4, and will continue doing so until we have filled the Lead Pastor position.
We have no candidates to report at this time as it’s too early in the process. Whether they come from inside or outside our body, we ask for your prayers as we seek to fill this vital role. And please take comfort in knowing we will take the requisite amount of time to let the Holy Spirit guide us through the search process.
Continuing updates on this process to follow.
Psalm 25:9 says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.”
Help us, Lord, and teach us your way.
Amen!