For some time Matt and the leadership team have been praying about our leadership structure, and thinking about some key strategic changes as God leads us into the future.
So we have come to the decision that from the end of November Pete will to step right back from his Associate pastor role and also from the leadership team. His much valued ministry with the church will continue but obviously to a lesser degree. Both Pete and Gill continue to see Lifehouse as their home church and will carry on serving as they are able to.
For some time Gordon and Linda have felt that God is stirring them onto something new and have been exploring fresh opportunities for local church leadership and would love to take up a full time pastoral role somewhere as God leads them. We want to encourage them on that journey whilst honoring them for all they have brought to the church in such a wonderful way. Therefore we feel that this would also be a good time for Gordon to step back from the leadership team and as associate pastor at the end of November. However Gordon will carry on serving the church pastorally until a new opportunity opens up.
At the same time and part of the same process the leadership team have been thinking about how we can grow a team of people to further develop the day to day ministry of the church and to come along side Matt helping to establish key areas of ministry. And so we have appointed two people to significant roles in the life of the church. Firstly, recognising the favour of God upon Jo Curtis and her pioneering leadership of Poppets over the years and lately of family Saturday’s, we have asked Jo to lead and oversee all of our ministries related to children and families. She will be working largely in a voluntary capacity although much like we do for Gordon we’ll give her an honorarium each month for the time and energy she brings to the role which starts straight away.
Secondly, we have appointed Ross McQueen as ministry assistant. Much of this role will involve assisting Matt pastorally and with the day to day ministry of the church, and he will also take lead responsibility for youth and young adults and the music and worship ministry in the church. This will be a paid role for 3 days a week and will start in November.
All of these changes haven’t happened over night. The team have been in much prayer and discussion for several months and a real sense of clarity has develop over time. And so we are delighted with how God has been leading us along the way and providing assurance and peace as decisions have been made.
Towards the end of November we will set aside a Sunday so that we can formally honour and thank both Pete and Gordon for all they have given to the church in leadership using their different and unique gifts and we’ll keep you posted on the date of that Sunday as soon as its confirmed. Also in November we want to give both Ross and Jo a proper welcome and commission them into their new roles. Do keep praying for all those involved with these exciting changes.
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