Dear CTK family,
We continue to rejoice and marvel at what the Lord has done over these months as we have awaited his provision for a new pastor. God has been extraordinarily good, and the church has been incredibly patient as we have moved forward from Rick's faithful leadership into a new season of ministry. By his strength we’ve endured, especially in light of the challenges of the pandemic, and the church continues to grow and strengthen. We benefited greatly from pastors Nathan and Omar who filled the pulpit early in this season, we enjoyed the fruitful ministry of our interim pastor Clyde, and we’ve been encouraged by our pastor friends from RUF and sister churches in the area who came to our help along the way.
Now we’re about to welcome our new pastor, Travis Drake. Pastor Travis starts this week. Travis’s arrival marks a fresh new season in the life of the church, full of anticipation and promise.
As we enter this new era, let’s be mindful of our expectations. Travis’s work schedule, leadership style, and pastoral approach will look different than Rick’s, Nathan’s or Clyde’s. We will want to give him the freedom and flexibility, with patience and grace, to develop and express his own ministry among us.
For this reason, the elders have begun a relationship with a pastoral transition consultant. We recognize that we have a certain culture – patterns of decision making and ways of interacting and so forth – that Travis will be stepping into. We want to identify those things and understand how best to serve alongside each other for our new pastor’s well-being and for the benefit of the congregation. This is a process that will take time as we learn how best to support Travis and he learns more about how best to adjust to our culture.
Above all, let’s be praying. Pray for Travis as he enters this new call as our pastor. Pray for the elders, deacons, staff, and ourselves as we start this new relationship. And pray for Travis, Esther and their sons as they navigate this big change.
Just a reminder, Travis will be commuting up from Philadelphia weekly until his family can relocate to the area this summer. You’ll begin to see him preaching starting this Sunday. Welcome Pastor Travis!