Church Update

Dear Church Family,

As you know from Pastor Josh’s sermon on March 15th, change continues to come our way.  Pastor Josh has accepted God’s call to ministry at Hyland Heights Baptist Church in Rustburg, Virginia.  The timing of the announcement coupled with the uncertainty related to COVID-19 can feel overwhelming.  The sermon from Psalm 27 yesterday emphasized God’s protection during times of adversity and uncertainty.  In Psalm 27, the Psalmist’s attention is specifically and intentionally focused on God despite the trials and adversity that assail him. 

During the last six years, Pastor Josh has served our congregation faithfully and we have experienced God’s goodness while Pastor Josh has been at Clough.  While we are disappointed at the loss of a friend and family member and the timing can feel disadvantageous, we know that we have a God who is faithful and who is GOOD.

Your church leadership teams (Ministry Council, Deacons, Personnel Committee, and Staff) have been meeting together and we are preparing for the transition from Pastor Josh’s leadership by selecting a transitional pastor, establishing the pastoral search committee, and providing a time to say goodbye to the Carters.  To that effect, we wanted to provide this summary of our discussions to everyone. 

Transitional Pastor

The Cincinnati Area Baptist Association (CABA) maintains a roll of pastors who are trained and experienced in the role of transitional pastoring.  We have reached out to CABA and identified several possible candidates.  Interviews are scheduled for this week and we anticipate making a recommendation to Ministry Council within the next couple of weeks.  Questions related to the selection of the transitional pastor may be addressed to:  personnel@cloughpike.com.

Pastoral Search Team

The process for selecting the Pastoral Search Team is laid out in the church bylaws (Article III).  The leadership teams are working jointly to create a list of potential candidates.  We anticipate the team will consist of seven individuals representing a cross-section of church life.  The ballot will present five candidates nominated by the leadership teams and two write-in slots for nomination by the church body at large.  Please begin to prayerfully consider whether you might serve, if asked, or who you might nominate.  Serving on this committee will have long lasting effects on our church and our impact in the community and across the world.  This will indeed be a heavy burden.  We are working toward a vote on the Pastoral Search Team at a specially called business meeting after service on April 5, 2020.

Carter’s Farewell

Josh, Mandy, Kai, Asher, and Logan are going out as beloved members of our family.  Recognizing the close personal connections that many of us have, we would like to have a farewell gathering.  The timing of the gathering is entirely dependent on the direction of our State of Ohio leadership.  If the restriction on gatherings is lifted, we will let everyone know.

In closing, please know that the church leadership teams continue to pray for each of you and are continually working to seek God’s will for your lives.  In turn, we also request that you would seek God’s guidance and strength for us as we attempt to navigate this challenging time in our church’s life.  Our strength indeed comes from The Lord. 

In Christ,

Deacons

Ministry Council

Personnel Committee

Staff