Dear Friends,
We are thankful for so many of you for attending the town hall meeting this past Sunday—and for others who couldn’t make it but took the time to provide their feedback and thoughts beforehand. We can’t manage transition well unless we are coming together as a community and ensuring that everyone’s voices, ideas, and concerns are heard, and this congregation is off to an amazing start with that dialogue.
FAQs from the Town Hall
For those of you who couldn’t make it, here’s an overview of three questions raised at the town hall meeting, along with responses from the board.
Q: What does the transition timeline look like?
A: Rather than a timeline with specific deadlines, our transition is based on specific milestones we need to accomplish. For instance, we must get the most accurate picture of where we are right now. It is important to paint an accurate picture of the congregation. We also need to identify the specific qualities we are looking for in a new senior leader, and we must begin taking steps forward to show that we have a vision and are serious about pursuing it. The transition process will involve three points: honoring the past, embracing the present, and pursuing the future. That said, we estimate that the process would take anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending on how we meet our milestones.
Q: Will Dr. Bob be staying with us through this whole process?
A: Yes. Dr. Bob is committed to staying with Community during the rest of 2023, as well as 2024 if needed. His goal is to provide stability and direction during this time of transition. The transition would culminate in bringing on a new permanent senior leader.
Q: What can we do right now?
A: Share some of your stories of Pastor Rob (see below), attend a listening session, and pray for discernment going forward. We want to honor the past by sharing our memories of all the good times with Pastor Rob; you can contribute your story—along with a photo if you have one—by sending it to greatmoments@findcommunity.com. Be sure to sign up for a listening session as times are announced; we really want to hear from everyone during this season. And above all, please pray that we would discern God’s voice together as we move forward.
At this stage in our transition, we need to be engaging in honest and direct dialogue as we wrestle together with important questions about Community’s future. Everyone is empowered to say what’s on their minds. As the Apostle Paul put it: Speaking the truth in love:
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16
How our board is engaging in dialogue
It may be helpful—and hopefully inspiring—for you to know about the process the church board is engaging in at this time. Our dialogue is not only horizontal with each other, but vertical with God as we listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Each time the board meets, we open with the same question: How are you experiencing God? We go around the room and share what God is doing in our lives. The board members are going deeper with God and God is speaking clearly to each of us. I tell them each week – and I share with you now – they are the right women and men to guide us through this process. Community Church Rancho is blessed.
But this question: “How are you experiencing God?” isn’t just for board members. It’s for you too! How are you experiencing God? What is He doing in your life? In the lives around you? I would love to know. Find me or a staff member before or after church and share your stories of what God is doing in and through you as you listen for his voice.
As we engage in this discernment process together, please pray with me for the board:
- For wisdom to hear the voice of God
- For courage to make the important decisions
- For compassion in all things
The board is really stepping into their role, connecting with each other and with God, looking out for what’s best for the whole. You can join them in that process as we discern and dialogue together.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8a)
Join us in prayer as we look forward together to the future God has in store for us.
Great Moments with Pastor Rob
– Pete and Joan Florio
