Over the last several months the elders have wrestled through an issue that we believe is extremely important to the health of our church body.  It has become more apparent that our body needs someone who can lead and continue to develop our BASE Camps which is our small group ministry.  This is a vital part of our body for it is one of the main places that “real life” as we call it takes place on a consistent basis.  This is a place of ongoing discipleship, connection, ministry, and more.  As our body continues to grow in depth and size, we need more camps, more BASE Camp leaders, and leadership that can help care for the BASE Camp leaders.  Equipping people to lead this ministry is a significant ongoing task.   In addition, we believe the body is in need of another teacher who could be a part of the preaching team on Sunday mornings.
 
Through much prayer, a long process, and many discussions – we believe God has led us to this place where a hard yet important decision has been made.   Beginning at the end of September, Mike Pirkle’s job as Community Life Minister will be phased out as a staff position.  This position is needed but through much prayer and time, we believe it is vital that we hire someone who can lead our growing small group ministry and join the preaching team.  This is a reduction in force, reducing one staff position to fill a vital need in another position.  We brought Mike into this process several months ago and have been helping him process through this transition from staff minister to lay minister.  Here are a couple of things we want you to know about the process.
 

• First, Mike has been a part of this process and it has been a long process.  
• Second, Mike has had time to process the transition.  As the decision became more clear, we took the opportunity to send Mike to Philadelphia to meet with a career counselor.  The feedback was good, and Mike will share more about his plans for the future at ROCC rally.
• Third, Mike and his family are financially being taken care of by this body as he secures new employment.
• Finally, this decision was based on the needs of the church.  This is a reduction in force, reducing one staff position to fill a vital need in another position.

 
On September 24th at ROCC Rally, we will have a town hall type meeting to discuss, share, and pray over Mike and his family.  Every question will be answered and Mike will be there to share his heart and what is next for him.  Mike’s plan is to continue being a part of this body, leading his BASE Camp, and working alongside you as a fellow deacon and church member.  He has communicated his desire to see more of you sign up for the 5k which he will continue to oversee.  
 
We strive to be up front and open with the church body.  We brought this before the body when it became appropriate to do so and we will answer all your questions at ROCC rally.  Until that day, we would ask that you:
 

• Pray for and encourage Mike and his family.

• Mike has a teaching certificate in Arkansas, and he is in the process of updating it to Missouri.  If you have the ability to help or encourage Mike in this process that would be appreciated.
• Be patient and wait until ROCC Rally if you have detailed questions.
• Direct your questions to an elder or Mike prior to ROCC rally.

 
Finally, unity in the bonds of peace is God’s plea for his body in Ephesians 4.  Pray with us for this as God continues to grow this place of frail people, learning to desperately trust in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
 
Pray with us …