As we continue “On the Way With Jesus” in this season of Lent, we also continue faithfully on the way in our pastor search process. This time together is an important and hopeful stretch of the journey. The Pastor Transition Team (PTT) has completed the Mission Study, a significant milestone that prayerfully reflects who we are, where God has been leading us, and what kind of pastoral leadership will best serve our congregation in the years ahead. At the February 22nd meeting, the Session completed its review and officially approved the Mission Study. That Mission Study was then sent to the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee. With those actions, we move from reflection into active pastoral search with the election of a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), preparing to share our Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP), which is the church’s resume, and enter the next phase of seeking the pastor God is calling to walk with us.
A key tool that helped shape this work was the Church Assessment Tool (CAT), administered and interpreted by Holy Cow! Consulting and multiple Listening Sessions. Many of you participated in this congregational survey, and your voices truly mattered. In addition to the CAT results, the PTT spent significant time and effort hosting “listening sessions” throughout November and into early December. These gatherings created space for thoughtful conversation, honest reflection, and prayerful sharing about our congregation’s strengths, challenges, and hopes. Together, the CAT insights and the listening sessions provided a clear and faithful picture of our church’s identity and direction, helping to clarify the leadership qualities we believe will be most important in our next pastor.
These times they are exciting. As the search process continues into the next phase, we remain grounded in gratitude and trust. We are grateful for the faithful work already done, and trust that the same Spirit who has guided us this far will continue to lead. Thank you for your prayers, your participation, and your patience. This is holy work, and we are walking it together.
Shalom,
Eddie Bellis, Interim Pastor
Click on the links below to view the various documents referenced above:
Church Assessment Tool- Executive Summary