By Brandon Lemons, on behalf of the Search Committee
As you probably know, Pastor Michael’s last day at Friedens was June 30. A Search Committee has been working since early June to prayerfully discern who to recommend to the Leadership Board and congregation as Friedens’ next Pastor of Students & Young Adults.
The Search Committee consists of: Karin Carl, Paul Grady, Jesse Kopp, Brandon Lemons, and Charissa Toeller.
We are using a nearly identical position description as Pastor Michael operated from. It is important to recognize, though, that we are not looking for a “Michael Clone.” We can’t expect the next Pastor of Students & Young Adults to have the same talents, interests, and personality that Michael had. There are a variety of youth pastors in terms of strengths, weaknesses, interests, and skills – each of whom can do a great job discipling and empowering students to grow as followers of Jesus – yet who do it with different styles and different strengths. Our priority in this process to discern who God is leading to Friedens Church.
Here is an update on where we are right now in the process. The Search Committee has identified one candidate who is quite far in the process of questionnaires, conversations, and interviews. If this process continues moving ahead smoothly, it is possible for the candidate to start at Friedens by September. At the same time, we are committed to prayerfully and intentionally doing our due diligence to find the right fit for Friedens rather than feeling pressured to meet a certain timeline. If this process continues moving forward, you can expect to have the opportunity to meet the candidate and vote on him within the next few weeks. We deeply value your prayers for God’s guidance, and we will keep you updated.