Our staff team leads the church in joyfully leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus. I want to let you know about some ministry staff developments happening at Richview Church. Some of these you might know about, some you might have caught wind of, and others might be completely out of the blue for you! I’m thankful that this letter gives me the opportunity to get us all on the same page. Each staff change represents a desire for us to lead worship, discipleship, evangelism, and community better. Here we go!
Pastor Ed
On January 1, 2019, Pastor Ed McLean was brought on at Richview as the Interim Lead Pastor. With wisdom, grace, and skill, Ed has helped to lead the church and the elders board through some tough transitions—the loss of a much beloved senior pastor, unifying a new staff team, the pandemic, and the lead pastor search, among many others. We’ve been spoiled with his pastoral leadership, and I know I’ve been spoiled with his friendship and mentorship.
Pastor Ed’s contract with the church expires on October 31, which will be his last Sunday with us as part of the pastoral staff. In his words, “I’ve done what I’ve come here to do.” With great thankfulness and no small amount of melancholy, we bless Pastor Ed as he leaves us, knowing that he will be tremendously helpful to some other church to which God will call him. We will be sure to give everyone opportunities to express their gratitude to Ed in the coming weeks.
Worship Ministry Director
I’m pleased to say that the Worship Ministry Director Search Team has made a great deal of progress. The candidating process is still ongoing, but we are excited as we close in on final decisions. We are in direct conversations with one candidate in particular in the hope that we will make a great fit for each other. Keep praying!
Associate Pastor
You might recall that we were looking for an Associate Pastor not so long ago but the Associate Pastor Search Team did not find an appropriate fit for the role. Since then, it seems God has been making other plans for us. The elders have been in conversations with someone who would be focussed on leadership development and community groups at Richview. Both of these areas of our church life are in need of a great deal of attention and direction. The elders are amidst discerning God’s direction for the possibility of this person joining our pastoral staff at a half-time capacity.
Consultant
The elders are also in discussion with a consultant who may help us to navigate changes that are yet to come for Richview Church. We find ourselves amidst a number of transitions, challenges, and opportunities. The church is gradually coming out of Covid, we have a new lead pastor, we are bringing on new staff to oversee important areas of the church, and as many of our members know, God has seen fit to give us access to funds with the potential to have a significant impact on ministry. But we don’t want to be haphazard in how we go forward without a clear direction that comes from God’s Spirit, our church’s DNA, and our unique opportunities. We want to be able to collectively paint a clear picture for where we want to go in the next several years in the life of this church. This consultant will help us to dream about all that God has for us to do as a church and how we might be able to get there together.
Exciting times! Please be aware that none of this is etched in stone as we continue these important discussions. Pray for us as we seek God’s leading here!
Blessings!
Tyler S.