God never said this was going to be easy, but He promises to be with us.

Dear LTCC Family,

A lot can happen in a week. After the meeting with our potential interim pastor Friday night, we got word of Pastor Tim’s passing early Saturday morning. So many conflicting emotions. Now, a few days later, sitting in my office and looking across to where Tim’s name is still adorned above his old office, I can almost feel him giving me a side hug and saying, “You know, Justine, God never said this was going to be easy, but He promises to be with us. Just lean on Him, he won’t let you down.” Just the thought of Tim brings me encouragement as I’m sure it does for you as well. I look forward to celebrating his life on May 13th here at the church at 3:00pm. (Please see the email that went out earlier this morning for more information).

While we are mourning the loss of our beloved pastor of 25 years, we are also in the process of making decisions on how to move forward. It is not an easy place to be for any of us. Thank you for praying for our Zoom interview with the potential interim pastor. It was a productive meeting where we were not only able to get to know the candidate better, but we were able to ask pointed questions about his experience leading a church and he was able to ask us clarifying questions about LTCC. 

After the meeting was over, the elders and deacons unanimously agreed to continue to move forward with this interim pastor candidate. That included making reference calls and inviting him up to meet our church family and preach a sermon on a Sunday morning.

Here’s some information about the interim pastor candidate:

  • Bob Slack (68 years old), wife Ronda, two children, two grandchildren, lives in California

  • 23 years of experience as a senior pastor at Ridgeview Hope Church (formally known as Pleasanton Evangelical Free Church)

  • 20 years as an associate pastor (youth ministry)

  • Exegetical/expository style of preaching focusing on gospel proclamation and making disciples; mission minded

  • Summation from reference checks: intelligent, biblically knowledgeable, integrity/person of high character, effective communicator, likes to talk, friendly – all had no reservations about Bob serving our church as interim pastor.

The plan for Bob’s visit to LTCC:

  • Bob and his wife, Ronda, will arrive the evening of May 20th

  • Bob will preach May 21st

  • After the service, we will host a potluck that will then flow into our already scheduled family forum

  • The forum will consist of a meet and greet with Bob and then he will provide an overview of the intentional interim process

  • Monday, Bob and Ronda would be available for additional meetings with people if necessary

A few things to continue to pray for:

  • God’s discernment regarding Bob as our interim pastor

  • Our upcoming family forum on May 21st and being able to clearly communicate the interim process

  • Housing for Bob, if he is called to be here

  • Preparations and celebration of Pastor Tim’s life on May 13th and for all of his family who are mourning his absence

 

Justine Peterson
For the Elders and Deacons

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Justine Peterson