This has been an interesting week for the pulpit committee.  The two men under consideration have both been busy in ministry that involved significant travel. Last weekend, we were able to communicate with both men on the phone. They had many questions, concerns and thoughts to share.  Both men are happy in their current ministries and testify of the Lord working through them in their respective roles. At the same time, they are willing to consider our ministry and the opportunities it presents. It is clear that each is seeking the Lord’s leading as we continue to pursue them.

The pulpit committee is preparing to compile dossiers on each pastor for consideration and review by the board of elders.  The dossiers will include the resumes and biographical info submitted by the men, their personal doctrinal statements, answers they submitted to our questionnaire and a summary of our impressions of each man from our interviews and reference checks. We will also recommend sermons by each pastor for the elders to consider and evaluate.

Incidentally, I asked each man about their availability if they were called to our ministry. Both men indicated that a move to our ministry would be a major transition. Given our planned next steps in the process and their need to address all of the details of a move of this nature, it is clear that it will be at least 4-6 months until either candidate could be in place. Obviously, this assumes, these candidates continue to allow us to consider them and our elders and congregation approve of the pulpit committee’s recommendations.

God continues to work in our search. He is in control and He makes it clear in each step of our process. I look forward to being able to share all the ways that the Lord has led in our search and testify of the lessons we have learned.

Your brother,

Jeff Peterson, Elder

Calvary Bible Church