Questions about John / Teresa:
Why is John transitioning?
Simply put, one early morning in September God told him to transition out of “full-time pastoral ministry”. As John put it, “Well, on this particular early morning, sometime between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., God gave me a very clear and pronounced picture of the sun setting. I didn’t anticipate that this was the change the Lord had in mind. Yet, His ways are always right, best, and always on time. How am I to respond when the Lord reveals clarity of direction? Obedience! My response to God’s detailed direction and will is no different than yours.”
What will John do next?
He will most likely pursue launching the first evangelical research based university, called Legacy University. Here is what John says about his next chapter in life: “When I speak of transitioning from full-time ministry that doesn’t mean I’m retiring. No, what it means is that God has called us to a new Kingdom assignment. So, what is it that God has called us to? Well, back in February 2014, out of obedience to the Lord, I started Legacy University. Legacy University is seeking to be the first evangelical research university in the world. What you might not know is that, over the years, several pastors have pastored and started schools, and I believe that’s what the Lord had in mind for me.“
When is John’s last day?
We anticipate that it will be March 29, 2015, but the Elders began the process of finding a new lead pastor immediately after hearing John’s announcement.
Are John and Teresa going to stay involved at Grace?
John and Teresa will be staying at Grace Chapel. Here is what John says “Teresa and I love you all very much and the thought of going somewhere else simply is not what either of us desire. We are planning to stay and serve alongside of you all. You are our family and friends! We have been committed to Jesus and His people at Grace for nearly sixteen years. We have been honored to deeply invest in this incredible congregation and could not be more delighted to continue the journey with you.”
Questions about Grace Chapel and the vacant position:
What does this mean for the future of Grace?
As John Z has said, “I want to make something really clear. I am convinced Grace Chapel’s best days are yet ahead of us!“ This is the next exciting chapter for us as a church! We are excited for who the next Senior Pastor is at Grace and how God will use him to help lead our congregation into God’s great mission.
What does the process of finding a new pastor look like?
The Elders are charged with the task of finding a new senior pastor and have been working on finding a senior pastor already. They will most likely work with a third party to help find the perfect fit. Although that has financial expense, the elders believe the cost is well worth it so we find the right person faster and the existing staff can continue to do their current roles with clarity and determination.
How long do you expect it to take to find our new pastor?
We are praying that we would have our new pastor in 6 months but we trust in God’s timing and provision in this. A typical search of this magnitude normally takes six to twelve months, but we are expecting God to go before us and we are more concerned about his timing than ours. Please continue to pray for this process.
If we do not have a new senior pastor by the end of March 2015, who will step in to teach and serve in that position of leadership?
Ron Brenning, who serves as the Marriage and Family Pastor, has led a church in the past, is a very gifted communicator, and is experienced as a teacher at Grace Chapel. He will be one of the leaders we’ll look to if we do not have a new Senior Pastor at the end of March 2015.
Questions about you/the community at Grace Chapel:
How can I (you) be a part of finding the new senior pastor?
You can first pray for this process. If you have a resource that you feel would really benefit the Elders in their process of looking for our new pastor please send an email to PrayItForward@GraceChapel.org
What do the elders want from me/the church in this season?
Pray It Forward!
- Pray – For John and Teresa, the Elders and staff, the church family, and our new pastor!
- It – This represents all that Grace Chapel is called to be, “Christ working through us,” as we live on mission with Him!
- Forward – Our calling – participating in God’s great mission by loving God, loving others, and making disciples, wherever we are – is too high, too holy, and too important to hit the brakes during our transition. Together, we must continue to move forward during this crucial time.What can I do to help?
Keep a positive attitude. Cast all your anxiety on Him. Keep focus on God’s great mission and your part in that. There is not time to pause and wait to see what happens. The world is in desperate need to know a Savior. You are Christ’s ambassadors, and that is your charge! That doesn’t change if we do or do not have a senior pastor leading this church. This is God’s church. He is in charge, and you have been given clear priority to embark on His great mission.
What can I do to help?
Keep a positive attitude. Cast all your anxiety on Him. Keep focus on God’s great mission and your part in that. There is not time to pause and wait to see what happens. The world is in desperate need to know a Savior. You are Christ’s ambassadors, and that is your charge! That doesn’t change if we do or do not have a senior pastor leading this church. This is God’s church. He is in charge, and you have been given clear priority to embark on His great mission.
What if I have questions, concerns, or ideas to share?
- Subscribe to updates on the Grace Chapel blog (Pray It Forward Category Coming soon). There will be regular posts and updates from the Elders.
- You can also email PrayItForward@GraceChapel.org at any time. The elders receive these emails directly and will answer in a timely manner.
