April 8, 2008
Dear Church Family:
We are pleased to announce that Rick Chalupnik, our current Pastor of Youth and College Age Ministries, is going to become our new of Pastor of Adult Ministries. This change will take effect on June 1, 2008.
We will make an official announcement on Sunday, April 13, 2008. However, I am contacting you tonight – Tuesday, April 8, 2008 – because Rick is sharing this news with the high school youth group right at this moment! Because of his close relationship with the high schoolers, he wanted to share this news with them personally. Making this announcement to you by e-mail is part of our attempt to let everyone receive this information at the same time.
For those who would like more detail, let me explain the selection process, the job description, why we selected Rick, and our plans for filling the position that Rick is leaving – Pastor of Youth and College Age Ministries.
First, as far as the selection process, I identified four potential candidates in December 2007 for the role that Pastor Kent Palmer vacated. I am a strong believer in using one’s network to identify the best possible candidates for an opening before publishing it and accepting applications. After prayer and reflection, I determined that Rick stood out as the candidate we should pursue. In January 2007, I met with Rick for another one-on-one interview, and then Rick met for an additional interview with me, our Leadership Board chairman, and an additional member of the Leadership Board. The Leadership Board then interviewed Rick in February, and it fully supports Rick’s appointment to the position of Pastor of Adult Ministries. The Leadership Board also determined that no congregational vote was necessary since Rick was previously called by the congregation as a full-time member of our pastoral staff.
Second, as far as Rick’s job description, we have asked him to concentrate his efforts in six areas. His primary responsibilities will be:
1. To develop and implement an Assimilation strategy (from parking lot to LIFE group)
2. To strengthen and oversee our small group ministry (LIFE groups)
3. To develop and implement a Ministry Placement strategy (assessing, deploying)
4. To provide direction and assistance to our Missions ministry
5. To work with the Senior Pastor in coordinating the Adult Education ministry
6. To oversee and coordinate our pre-marital counseling ministry
For now, the deacons who will lead our Men’s ministry, Women’s ministry, Fellowship ministry, and Caring ministry will report to me.
Third, here is a brief summary of our reasons for appointing Rick to the Pastor of Adult Ministry position. The bottom line is that Rick has a proven track record of running an effective ministry, including the ability to recruit and train leaders. He brings passion and expertise to each of the six responsibilities outlined above. Most importantly, he is a man of character and conviction. He has a deep commitment to the local church and to the mission of God. Progress in his life and teaching has been evident to me and to the other Leadership Board members (see 1 Timothy 4:15-16). Furthermore, Rick and his wife, Sue, have already developed significant relationships with adults in our church, and they look forward to developing more! Rick and Sue have also been exemplary in the way they have reached out to the community. Perhaps the greatest disadvantage is the one Jesus described when he said that a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown (see Matthew 13:57 and John 4:44). Sometimes we tend to underestimate or overlook the people who are familiar to us. Some of you have seen Rick for so long in the youth pastor role that you may not envision him in another role. But I am excited about what he brings to the Pastor of Adult Ministries position. This is, I believe, the right move at the right time
Finally, we are beginning the process of identifying a candidate to replace Rick as Pastor of Youth and College Age Ministries. We have some good leads already, including one very strong possibility. The selection process will involve interviews of potential candidates by Rick and me, by an Interview Team (which will include certain members of our church, along with a couple high school or college students), and by our Elder Board. Then, this candidate will be presented to the congregation for a vote. Ryan Johnson will continue to serve in our Junior High ministry and will work under the new Pastor of Youth and College Age Ministries. This will provide some continuity and stability in our youth ministry. Also, Rick will still lead the Mexico missions trip, and he will continue to help out in the Senior High ministry until August 1, 2008. We hope to fill the Pastor of Youth and College Age Ministries by then.
Please pray for Rick Chalupnik as he assumes his new role, and please pray for wisdom and sensitivity to God’s Spirit as we search for Rick’s replacement in senior high and college ministry.
Sincerely,
Steve Mathewson
