Should We Go?
An Update on the Pastoral Search Process
11 December 2024
Should we go?
Mary and Joseph knew Emperor Augustus issued a census decree requiring them to travel to Bethlehem to be counted. But “should we go? Should we really risk the trip when Mary is so far along in her pregnancy?”
The shepherds heard the dazzling angelic choir encouraging a trip to find a babe in swaddling clothes. But “should we go? Should we really leave our sheep and undertake this midnight sleuthing adventure?”
The magi spied the star. But “should we go? Should we really interrupt our duties to venture to another land to explore what God might be up to?”
God’s people are regularly challenged to prayerfully discern where and to what calling God is calling them.
Today, our COS Call Committee asks for your continued prayers regarding which way we should go in terms of our search for a new associate pastor. Thus far, it’s been a fruitful journey, with the Holy Spirit clearly leading. Amid a clergy shortage across mainline denominations, we felt pleased to review seriously six RMPs (short for Rostered Ministry Profiles). Out of the six, we conducted Zoom interviews with two of these pastors/rostered ministers. Then, we conducted a second Zoom interview with each of them. Since discerning the right candidate for our new associate pastor is such an important task, we’ve decided to invite both of them in the new year for on-campus tours and interviews, with a chance for them to get to explore our setting a bit more closely as well. Then, we’ll discern appropriate next steps.
Our Call Committee is praying deeply that the Holy Spirit guides us in our holy task of deciding “should we go” with one candidate or the other.
Likewise, of course, the candidates are reviewing and dreaming with their spouses, “should we go if COS calls us to this opportunity in Georgia?” Both candidates are married and live out of state. Their moves would mean traveling at least as far as the magi, if not farther.
“Should we go?” This question was bubbling in the hearts of Jesus’ parents and special guests when he was first born. Still today, Jesus followers ask this question humbly. Thank you, COS disciples and friends, for praying fervently that the Holy Spirit nudges, steers, and guides both our congregation and the candidates with whom we are conversing toward the answers pleasing to our Lord.
Of course, each one of us, daily, are part of Jesus’ “birth story” when we keep nimble and ask God which way the Lord wants us to go, hour by hour, amid pregnant possibilities. May we keep asking what, where, and with whom the Lord would have us serve and live.
Seeking the Lord’s guidance with you,
Pastor Fritz
Bonus News: Our beloved Marilyn Lehmann celebrated her 90th birthday Monday! Give her a shout of congratulations. At the Text Talk Bible Study on Sunday, the celebration and cake was fun.
