​SEARCHING FOR A NEW PASTOR

​SEARCHING FOR A NEW PASTOR

How close are we to finding a new pastor? Here is the latest news.

Some people guessed that we were interested in Justin Carruthers as a possible pastor candidate. (After all, we had Justin preach at Bethel three times in the last three months.) In fact we were interested in Justin. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to announce our intentions publicly.

Justin, a Canadian citizen, had returned to Canada on study leave from Hanford CRC in California, because he was having trouble extending his US work visa. He was hopeful his paperwork would come through, and that he would be allowed to return to the US. Over time, it became clear that his visa would not be extended. Only then did he officially open himself to the possibility of a call. We interviewed him, but before we could go further in the process, he accepted a call to Gateway Christian Reformed Church in Abbotsford, BC.

So now what? Our Search Team has decided to take a proactive approach to recruiting. In the second week of April I will be traveling to Ontario and Grand Rapids. I will interview three people who have applied for the position. Two of these people are graduating students from Calvin Seminary. The third is a pastor with four years of experience. Two of these people have expressed that they are quite excited about the possibility of serving at Bethel Church.

We continue to wait on the Lord. Let’s pray expectantly. We are confident that God will provide the right person in His perfect time.

​-Pastor Tom 

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