This announcement was shared during this morning’s service.
From Jenny-Lee Dippel
Hello Gathering Church, I have some news to share from the Board. We are in a season of change as a congregation, but we can find comfort in knowing that we rest in the hand of God; always.
At our Board meeting last week, Steve gave us, and we accepted, his resignation. I invite Steve to share more with us.
From Steve Cox
For a while now I have been discerning my role in pastoral leadership, and it has become clear to me that it is time to step down as your Pastor.
This has been the most challenging period of discernment and decision in my life, and please know that it has been the result of much prayer, conversation, questioning, and processing.
What a blessing it has been to serve as your pastor for the past 6 years, through many joyful and challenging experiences. I am thankful for what I have learned in my first lead role in the church, thankful that I was able to serve and grow alongside so many faithful and gifted Christ followers within The Gathering Church. It has filled me with joy as I think back on the significant ministry that has been done in Jesus’ name as we have sought to make Jesus real to people and invite followership. I carry with me so many examples and moments when Jesus’ love became tangibly real through an expression of mercy, or generosity, through the sharing of a vulnerable story, or a surprising coincidence that, seen through the eyes of faith, became evidence that God is behind the scenes making His Kingdom come.
The past 2 years have been challenging for me personally as a leader, but I know for all of us collectively as well. Discerning our way forward as the church is not linear, it is messy at times; and yet I remain hopeful that The Gathering Church has the gifts, ability, and passion to continue faithfully and purposefully into the future.
I want to quote outgoing MCEC Executive Minister Leah Reesor-Keller’s words in her recent resignation address, as they reflect where I am right now:
“I am finishing my leg of the race and passing along the baton of leadership, I continue to believe deeply in the Church and in the gifted and passionate leaders who will carry on after I have stepped aside.”
While I currently do not have a next job or opportunity in place, I know that I will be a ministering person in whatever God opens up for me. On behalf of my family, we thank each one of you for upholding us with your care, support, and prayers for the past 6 years. Our lives, and our faith, have been enriched because we said Yes to serving alongside you.
My prayers will continue to be with you and for you as we journey the road ahead.
With love and gratitude, I offer these words.
Steve
From Jenny-Lee Dippel
I acknowledge that this is big news and a lot to process. As the Board works with Steve to determine his final day as our lead pastor, he has agreed to remain with us until the end of the year. Once we have a confirmed date, we will announce it to the congregation.
As our staff is changing, I was asked to share that Catherine remains called to service at The Gathering Church. She will be working closely with the Transition Team that we will put in place. This Transition Team, along with the Board and Catherine, will work on what this new season in the life of The Gathering Church looks like for the new year.
MCEC is aware of Steve’s resignation and has also offered us their support.
You will have questions, so we invite you to reach out to any of us Board members; Ben Good, Andrew Jantzi, Debbie Wagler, Rocco Maiolo, Jenny-Lee Dippel.
We will provide more details in the coming weeks.
As always, we would appreciate your prayers for The Gathering Church.
Jenny-Lee Dippel, Board Chairperson
