Here To Serve

by Nate Howard, Eastern PA District Superintendent

In light of Pastor Tim’s announcement on Sunday that he will be transitioning into a new role in the Western Pennsylvania District, I wanted to express a few thoughts to the Carlisle Alliance Church family.

One of the blessings of being part of a family of churches, like the Christian and Missionary Alliance, is the fact that we draw together when needs arise. We have seen that times of pastoral transition become times of blessing when we work together.

I once had an elder, whose lead pastor was departing, express to me, “Before meeting with you I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know how we would manage. We’d had the same pastor for over 20 years, and he was going to be leaving in six weeks. What would we do? After meeting with you I realized that, while we still had challenges before us, it was SUCH a blessing to know that we were not alone and that others had walked through this and that there was a path we could walk down. There was a plan!”

One of the important things to know as a church is while I and the rest of the Eastern Pennsylvania District team are here to serve you, the District Superintendent doesn’t decide who the next pastor will be. That’s not how our denomination works. I will be seeking to serve the Carlisle Alliance Governing Board in several ways:

• I will explain the options that are available – like having a transitional pastor for a determined period of time; or to enter into an intentional search for a new pastor; or a blending of both options.
• I will make available a step by step search process so that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
• I will seek out and screen potential candidates for your church. In fact, I’ve already begun that for Carlisle Alliance.

In the midst of all these important decisions, I want you as a church to know that their family is praying for them. Starting this week and regularly through the transition, our district newsletter, the EPAD, will call people to pray for Carlisle Alliance Church. Be assured that they will be praying! I know personally of one pastor who prays every week, with his children, for every church in transition.

We are in this adventure together, and we have a great King who has proven Himself to be a great leader. Let’s trust Him together for a glorious future for your church.