The following was previously published in the Salmon Arm Weekly Newsletter.
Hi Andy! What is your current job title?
Well, they're still referring to me as the Executive Pastor so I suppose that hasn't changed!
With Pastor Ben's departure, what has changed for you?
The main thing is that I don't have my good friend and partner in ministry for the last ten years nearby anymore. Other than that, there are certainly a few more tasks that I've been picking up and I'm sure more to come.
Are we forming a search committee? What's the plan going forward?
We will form a search committee...but not yet. It's important to see this season of transition as an opportunity to be embraced. And embracing the opportunity to celebrate, grieve, reflect, evaluate, define, etc. will take some time. In the short-term, the SCC Board has asked me to maintain overall leadership and management of the church while the vision and planning for the transitional period is being developed. The board, pastors, and staff have already begun talking through some initial thoughts and ideas. On the weekend of January 13-15, David Horita, the Regional Director of Fellowship Pacific (our network/denomination) will be joining SCC Leadership for a planning retreat to continue the discussion and begin to formulate the next steps. David will also be preaching in the Sunday morning services in Salmon Arm that weekend (January 15).
Who's going to preach in Salmon Arm?
This is an area of strength for us since we actually have several good preachers right here in our midst! Pastor Kevin Hardy, Pastor Richard Magill, myself, and others will be sharing the pulpit in Salmon Arm for the foreseeable future.
What does this mean for the whole of SCC (i.e. Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Sorrento, Chase)
The impact of this transition certainly looks different in different places. Pastor Ben's departure means that not only is the SCC Lead Pastor role vacant but so is the Salmon Arm Campus Pastor role. However, there is a great team of pastors and staff in place to effectively continue ministry in Salmon Arm. Sicamous, Sorrento, and Chase each have great pastors and good leadership in place so, for the time being, each location will continue to declare and demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel, making disciples in the best ways possible for each local context.
Will there be a farewell for Pastor Ben?
Yes! We have dubbed January 29 as "Farewell Day". A special segment during each Sunday morning service and refreshments is being planned along with other elements to include the broader church.
Is there anything people can do to help during this time?
Yes! Pray. Pray again. And then pray some more. Seriously. I mean it. Also, you can continue and perhaps even increase your participation in the life of the church through volunteering, giving, LIFE Groups, etc. Now is the time to pull together!
Who can folks talk to if they have questions or concerns?
Any pastor or staff member would be happy to listen to anyone and hear questions and concerns. If anyone wants to reach out to the SCC Board directly, they can email board@aplacetobelong.ca
Stay tuned...!