HRAC Communication

September 2022

As most of you know, at the request of your church leadership, VitalChurch Ministry served you by facilitating a church assessment.  Those findings have been a ‘mirror’ back (what you collectively told us) and a ‘map’ forward (what our discernment team recommended as initiatives for this season - to build on strengths and address key issues).  Pastor Steve Miller was called to come serve you and has engaged in facilitating those agreed upon recommendations.  Early initiatives that by God’s grace have born good fruit were the Peacemaking small group sessions and conciliation meetings with some church leaders.  We are grateful. 

Following Pastor Gregg’s recent visit and meetings with you, and my interaction with Pastor Steve, today I want you to know that we (VitalChurch Ministry Executive Team) have decided that it is in the best interest of HRAC for another pastor to come in to build on the progress made and to complete this interim work. 

Please hear - What this is NOT is Pastor Steve giving up, or quitting, or not caring, or not loving you.  It is also NOT about any doctrinal, sexual, or moral issue. NOR is this to be viewed as a failure or a pause or a setback. All the evidence is that Pastor Steve is not giving up, is not quitting, and continues to want the best for HRAC.  He loves you enough to agree to pass the ball to a pastor especially skilled to pitch the closing innings.’  

We have discussed this with your church board and district superintendent and are all aware that this change is another change to navigate.  That’s a challenge.  However, we see it having the best potential to increase positive movement in completing interim initiatives and toward the new lead pastor search process.  So, it’s also an opportunity.

Please hear the why.  We see it having the best potential to increase positive movement in completing interim initiatives and toward the new lead pastor search process. 

Since Pastor Gregg led the assessment team, has served with you since, is familiar with and highly skilled at what you need to bring this to win-win completion, I asked Gregg if he would consider coming in to serve you as IIP at this stage.  After thought, prayer, and discussion - he said yes.  That became my recommendation.   

Your church board, district superintendent, and Pastor Steve have expressed support of this as a move in the best interest of the church.  Your staff, transition team, and most ministry leaders have been communicated with this past week.

You may have questions about how this will be implemented.  Pastors Steve and Gregg plan to be with you at the Town Hall Meeting today to interact and respond to inquiries.