As many of you know we are looking for a new place, a new ministry, a new adventure. God started working on our hearts and calling us a new place a few months ago. We started sending out my resume at the start of August and it has been a rollercoaster ride ever since. Where we are not going...
At the start of the job search process there were a few churches that stood out, one in particular. That one was just outside of Columbus, Ohio. It was a Vineyard church, and I felt that I connected well with the pastor. He even sent me some books to help better understand the Vineyard better, and I enjoyed what I read. But then communication stopped for about two weeks. I e-mailed him to get a status report and he told me that they decided to hire someone else. The kicker, I was next in line for a face to face interview... well, I guess we are not headed to Grove City, Ohio. There was another one from outside Columbus. I was not certain when I got the application packet from them, but I filled it out. I was not really expecting to hear much from them. Well, then they called me to set up a phone interview. It was a great conversation with the head of the search committee. She was really easy to talk with, and I became excited about the position. But then they set up an interview with the pastor and the search team. That interview did not go so well, and I was not surprised to receive a rejection from them. Well I guess we are not headed towards Powell, Ohio either. One thing I have discovered is that there are certain ways that people should handle the hiring process, and especially the rejection process. Heck, the whole communication process with all the churches and the candidates. I think it is good to be open and honest with how things are progressing and to communicate in more personal ways. But I will continue...
So where the heck could we be going....
Right now there are several options that are still being researched...
Fulton, IL. This is a small town on the western border about 3 hours from Chicago. The church is called Second Reformed Church (they don't have a website). One of the most exciting aspects of this church is that they have just bought an old Baptist Church and are turning it into a youth center. This youth center also has a 3 bedroom parsonage attached to it. I can imagine some great possibilities. I had a good phone interview with this church over two weeks ago but have not heard much more from them. My in-laws, on their way home from Chicago stopped in to check out the town and thought it was really cute.
Caseville, MI. The church is called
The River's Edge Community Church. This is a small town on the thumb of Michigan. It is on the lake and has great tourism over the summer. Ah, a lake house... maybe we'll see Keanu and Sandra there. The pastor there is really excited about me, and has already offered to have us come out to visit. It will probably be over my Birthday week. Happy B-day to me. This church owns a roller skating rink and uses it as an outreach to the community. My office would be there... imagine going skating during lunch break... Dawn and I are excited about the pastor's vision for his community and his passion for reaching the unchurched. Our big struggle is that it is not really close to our families, and not that easily accessible... Still we are trusting God to show us if that is where we are going or not.
Minneapolis, MN. OK, it's a big city... That would be cool. I know a lot of good people that have come from Minneapolis. But it looks like we will probably no take this position. It is at a Lutheran church - called
Golden Valley Lutheran Church, and I am not sure if I will be comfortable there. Here is why. They believe in infant baptism, and that brings you into the family of God and they also believe at communion the elements actually become the body and blood of Christ. If I were at this church they would want me to teach these things if their confirmation classes. I just don't feel right teaching this if I don't believe it... Do you think that is legit, or just petty (like Tom)?
Indianapolis, IN. I have a phone interview with a
Presbyterian Church on Sunday. I guess we will see how it goes. The head of the search committee has been really nice.
Roseau, MN. This church is an
Evangelical Covenant Church. Yesterday I got a call from a church I sent my resume to in August. They were interested in pursuing me as a candidate. They said they were going to contact my references and get back to me in a week and a half. This is about 10 miles from Canada... can you say cold.
Golden Valley, IL. Well I sent my resume and filled out the application to the Silver Creek Reformed Church and they said that they will be getting back to me in 3 weeks. Hmmm.
Milan, Italy. OK, so there is this missions organization that is interested in me. Doing Youth Ministry in Italy does sound fun, but I am not sure we are ready to return overseas, let alone raise about $40,000 per year. Still, who knows where God will take us.
There are a few other options, but who knows how they will pan out.
Well, I hope you enjoy this reading... it took a bit of time, but I guess that is what these things do. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
Peace out!
Dave
