December 5, 2012
Dear Light of the World,
I am writing to tell you that God has called me to something new, and that I will be leaving Light of the World. I have accepted a call to serve as Director for Evangelical Mission in the Minneapolis Area Synod. That means I will work with the Minneapolis bishop, Ann Svennungsen, to help start new churches and strengthen the mission of existing churches. This has come as an unexpected surprise, as most calls from God do. This was not something I was seeking; it came to find me.
With the weird joy that comes with a call from God, this is accompanied by grief that is deep in my bones. I guess that's what happens when we create a community based in relationships and love. But even though leaving may be difficult, I must stay obedient to God and trust. Therefore, my last day with you will be Sunday, January 6.
In addition to joy and grief, I am also profoundly grateful. You've taught me so much about God and mission in the last five years. You've invited me into your joys and your sorrows. I've been there to bless our newborns, and have prayed with those who are dying. Together, we've figured out how to create a community that makes all people feel welcome and not judged. We've worked to put our faith into action in the world. And we've committed to passing on the faith to our kids and new believers.
And we've set up and put away a LOT of chairs.
That's what I'm thinking about as I dream about what God has next for Light of the World. I think about all the new people who will be sitting in those chairs. People whom we haven't met yet, and are searching for meaning and hope. Neighbors who are hungry to hear the really unbelievable good news about Jesus. Friends who want be part of something bigger than themselves.
The typical mission developer stays five to seven years, because they have the ability to start things. Then, as the needs of the congregation change, a different type of leadership is required. It's hard for me to admit, but there's someone out there who is better suited to lead with you in the next season of this mission. And God is busy preparing that person to come to you.
I thank God for you, and for your partnership in the gospel. We'll keep talking in the weeks ahead. Keep reading for more information from Brian Stangl, our president.
In Christ's too-good-to-be-true love,
Pastor Deb
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December 5, 2012
Dear Light of the World,
In light of Deb's letter letting us know that she will be leaving our congregation in early January, I wanted to also take this opportunity to update everyone on what I can tell you to this point.
The congregational council has already been in conversation with the bishop's staff. They are very familiar with our congregation and with situations just like what we will be going through. We are in good hands. As we move forward, we will be as transparent as possible with everything that is transpiring. We will also include as many members as we can in the process.
This announcement comes on the heels of the recent communication about our financial health. You may wonder if these two things are connected. I want to clarify with all of you that they are not. This new call is God's timing for Deb and for our congregation.
I can assure you this decision was not an easy one for Deb, especially when it means leaving a community and mission she holds so dear to her heart.
While this will be a loss for our congregation, I trust in God's path for Deb and would like to be the first to officially congratulate her. The Minneapolis Synod is very blessed, as this position looks like it will be a perfect fit for her gifts.
It almost goes without saying what Deb has meant to this community for the last five years. Speaking for a family that has been attending since March of 2008, it is hard to picture life without her in it week in and week out. I've seen firsthand the profound impact she has had on so many of our lives. We will all forever be indebted to her in a number of different ways.
Even though Deb has meant so much to all of us, a pastor does not define who we are as a congregation. It is something that she and the congregational council have been very mindful of long before this opportunity ever presented itself.
Our spirit, our commitment to this mission, and our love for one another are capable of transcending this.
We know, however, that it is also healthy to mourn.
As I mourn, I will be making it a priority to pray about two things:
- Raising Deb up and giving her strength during this transition. As wonderful of an opportunity as this is for her, she has a number of hard days ahead as she begins the process of saying goodbye.
- Focusing on our mission statement and how it is speaking to us, especially as we move forward.
"The power of community to follow Jesus...act in the world...pass on the faith."
What will happen next? In the upcoming weeks a number of meetings will be scheduled; a transition team will be put in place; and the congregational council will choose an interim pastor to work with us for a brief time, hopefully less than a year. During this time, we will listen to God as a community and work to clearly articulate our vision and mission. Then, we will begin the process of calling a new pastor who will be well suited to help us live out that mission. This is a normal and natural part of a congregation's life span: a founding pastor usually stays five to seven years, and then the next pastor grounds the community into the congregation's vision for the future.
Throughout all of this, we will maintain our current programming during the week as well as continuing to worship on Sunday morning.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at 651-210-3349 (or brianstangl@gmail.com) or any one of our other congregational council members listed here.
This is our church, remember that. We are capable of making so much more impact in the world together than we ever could apart. I am thankful for each and every one of you.
My faith tells me our best days as Light of the World are still ahead of us.
Your congregational council president,
Brian Stangl
