Westheights Church is part of the “Canadian Be In Christ Church of Canada” or “BIC Canada”. As you know, Pastor Todd has accepted a new position within the BIC denomination as Director of Ministry Development and Operations. We received an update letter about an interim senior pastor that was read to us at this Sunday’s worship service. The letter was from Charlie Mashinter, who is the team leader for all BIC Community Churches in Canada.
AN UPDATE LETTER TO WESTHEIGHTS CHURCH
Sunday, August 27, 2017
I want to take further opportunity today by way of this letter to update you about details of Pastoral transition here at Westheights in anticipation of Pastor Todd’s departure at the end of September. As you were informed earlier, BIC Canada has a well-defined strategy for helping churches move through Pastoral transition and search for a new Senior Pastor. This strategy has already begun to be implemented here at Westheights. A key component of that strategy is the appointment of an Interim Senior Pastor.
I am pleased to announce this morning that commencing October 10, 2017 Pastor Bill Johnston will begin service at Westheights as the Interim Senior Pastor continuing with you until a new Pastor is called. Bill is an experienced Pastor with the BIC and was for many years the Pastor of the Cross Roads BIC Church in Guelph. Since transitioning out of that assignment he has moved into a role specializing in intentional interim ministry with BIC Canada and has helped a number of our churches in this regard. Bill is a vibrant follower of Christ with great people skills and a warm, caring presence. In addition, Bill is an excellent preacher and teacher of God’s word. I am very confident of his ability to lead you through this important season of your church life. Bill will work on a 3 1/2 days per week basis and will speak three Sundays per month. The other Sundays will be filled with various speakers from within the church and/or guest teachers. As always, your Church Board will give direction to the overall ministry of the church. You are in good hands!
The appointment of an Interim Pastor brings stability and leverages long-term ministry for your next Pastor. We anticipate the interim period being anywhere from 6 to 10 months depending, of course, on the Lord’s leading in helping us to find the right person to be your next Pastor.
As we move into the fall I will begin working closely with your Pastoral Committee to prepare for and carry out the search for a new Pastor. We will work hard to keep in good communication with you, the congregation, as we move forward. Thank you in advance for your support.
Yours In Christ!
Rev. Charles E. Mashinter
Team Leader – Canadian Be In Christ Community Churches
FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
To read the first announcement about Pastor Todd’s appointment to Director Of Ministry Development and Operations with BIC Canada, click here.
SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT
To read the second, update announcement about Pastor Todd’s appointment to Director Of Ministry Development and Operations with BIC Canada, click here.