Greetings Elgin EFC Family,

As the Elder Board, we want to ensure you are updated on where we stand in the Associate Pastor search process. First and foremost, we want to thank you for your prayers and support throughout this journey. It is wonderful to know we have a church body standing behind us as we look for the new shepherd to bring into the flock.

Over the past few months, we have received several resumes from well-qualified men. This has been a huge blessing, especially since we have heard from other churches in the same position that finding applicants has been difficult. While these initial candidates possessed many of the qualities and skills we are looking for, as we combed through the details, various factors made us realize they would not be the right fit for what our body needs at this time.

With that said, we currently have a couple of candidates under active consideration. We are moving forward with a doctrinal questionnaire for one, and an in-person interview for the other. This has been very exciting for us as Elders, as we see God bringing men to us who truly fit our current needs.

So, what are the next steps?

PRAY!

As we continue to evaluate these candidates and review new resumes as they arrive, we ask our church body to cover this process in prayer.

  • Please pray that we do not rush out of excitement and overlook important details.
  • Pray that God grants us the wisdom to ask the right questions so that no stone goes unturned.
  • We fully trust that the Spirit will lead us to the man God has chosen for our body, so please pray that we continually look to Him for guidance rather than relying on our own understanding.
  • Additionally, please pray for our future pastor—whoever he may be. Pray that the Holy Spirit makes it abundantly clear to him that God is calling him here, and that it will be a smooth transition for his family during this time of big change.

Finally, we want to ensure that not only is the new pastor a good fit for us, but that we are a good fit for him and his family. As we look to the future, please begin thinking of ways we can make them feel deeply welcomed into our church family, and how we can minister to and serve them just as they will be ministering to and serving us.

Thank you once again for your prayers and support; they truly do not go unfelt!

On Behalf of the Elders,

Darryl Pearson