Dear Brothers and Sisters of Eastside,

Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We elders are writing to inform you of the significant development that was announced at our Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 6, 2010. We gathered to share a meal, provide an update on our church, and enable Rick to inform us that he is resigning his position as senior pastor, effective August 29, 2010.  We now want to reiterate some of the scope and details of the announcement and praise God for enabling much-needed encouragement and unity at the June 6th meeting.

 

A feeling of joy comes from realizing anew the evidence of God’s grace in the many significant contributions to our church that Rick and Kathy have made over the past twelve years.  The Bourques are at a time when change is needed as they pause and seek the Lord’s will for their future direction.  We are confident that they will eventually move out with fresh wind in their sails.  On the other hand, a feeling of sadness comes from the recognition of how much we will miss Rick, Kathy and their family, and we acknowledge that even in the best of circumstances it is normal and appropriate to feel a sense of loss in situations like this.

As for the reasons behind Rick and Kathy’s decision, it’s best to provide much of what Rick stated at our June 6 meeting.

1. “For some time now I have wondered if I am the pastor to lead Eastside into the future. The past few years have been some of the best and, some of the hardest, for Kathy and me. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves and a lot about how God changes people. As a result of months of thinking, praying, and interacting with others I have made the decision to resign as senior pastor at the end of August.
    
   Churches go through stages of growth and while the basic values/convictions of a church may stay the same—the type of organizational leadership and people-management change so significantly that new leadership is almost always required. I believe new leadership for Eastside’s next stage of growth is needed. Kathy and I are also at a season of life that seems to be primed for exploring new ministry possibilities. We’ve not come to this decision quickly nor on our own but we are certain that this is best for Eastside and for us.
    
   We plan on being here with you for the next year. I turned down an opportunity recently to accept a position at another church because we want to take some time—while our daughter Hannah finishes her senior year—to recharge emotionally & spiritually. We also want to ponder these new ministry ideas the Lord seems to be preparing for us.
    
   …Kathy and I want to express our deep appreciation for all of you, especially for the elders’ thoughtfulness toward us in these past few months as we’ve been finalizing this decision.”
   

Similarly, we also have the opportunity to “embrace change” and move forward with new leadership and energy.  As for where we go from here, it’s best to provide what the elders stated at the meeting.

1. •Between now and August 29, Rick will continue as our senior pastor, primarily in terms of preaching.  Upon receiving his written resignation notice on May 24, Rick came off the elder board.  After August 29, Rick and his family will continue worshipping here as members of Eastside while they pursue the Lord’s direction for their future, and the elders have gladly agreed to that.
   

2. •Eastside will continue to function as an elder-led church. The elders will continue to share responsibility and make joint decisions, functioning together as a leadership team. This biblical form of church government is reflected in our Bylaws. Our Bylaws also direct that certain decisions include votes by the deacon board and the congregation. Other decisions involving day-to-day church operation will continue to be made by the staff.  
   

3. •The elders are accountable to the congregation and need to hear your input, and the voice of the Holy Spirit through you. We ask you to continue to dialogue with us—please call, email us, or meet with an elder for coffee & conversation. We will regularly keep the congregation informed of our progress through updates in our worship services, the bulletin, and our website.
   

4. •In July, the elders will decide on whether to call an “interim pastor.”
   

5. •In due course, the elders will appoint a pastoral search committee of 7 - 9 people, which will recommend candidates to the elders. Then the elders will nominate a candidate. After meeting and hearing the candidate, the elders, deacons, and congregation will vote on whether to extend a call to the candidate.  
   

Please consider this closing exhortation for us all. At times like this we are made acutely aware of our entire dependence upon the grace and mercy of our loving God the Father, so let us pray fervently.

1. •Pray to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church and the Lord of the Harvest. Pray for Rick, Kathy and their family. Pray for the leaders of our church family. Pray for Eastside as the Enemy attacks and attempts to scatter and destroy us during this time.
   

2. •Pray for the search committee and for discernment for all as we prayerfully consider calling a man to be our senior pastor. Seek the Lord’s will as you resolve to remain faithful, patient and loyal during this important time of transition and growth in the life of Eastside.
   

3. •Rely on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Use your spiritual gifts to glorify God and bless Eastside. Continue building godly relationships that strengthen and unify the church.
   

In these crucial months to come, may the Lord guide us to focus our gaze upon Him, in needed humility draw strength from Him, receive grace and edification by Him, and give honor and glory to Him.

Sincerely Yours in Him,

The Elders of Eastside Community Church

Dan Brinkmann   525.4076    danb@eastsidecommunity.org

Roy Deary           221.6350    royd@eastsidecommunity.org

Bill Love              223.1790    billl@eastsidecommunity.org

Reg Morris          992.4244    regm@eastsidecommunity.org

Chris Watson      928.2457    chrisw@eastsidecommunity.org