TOM AND CRIS

​TOM AND CRIS
​What do the following people have in common: Captain Kirk & Mr. Spock, Marty McFly & Doc Brown, Harry Potter & Ron Weasley? The answer, as you probably guessed, is that they are all famous pairs. Each of these sets of people had a unique relationship that has etched its way into our collective memory.

“Cris and Tom” may not be as famous as these classic pairs (at least not yet!) but we are enjoying our growing relationship. I thought you might like to know about this particular pair even if our fame extends only to the Bethel Community.

Each week Cris and I have a scheduled morning “walk”. Before the recent COVID restrictions were imposed, we literally walked together for one hour on Tuesday mornings. We would stroll the paths along the river valley and coordinate the week’s activities, greeting the occasional Bethelite who walked by. Now, our weekly get-together is a recurring Zoom meeting titled: “Tom and Cris –Morning Walk.”

“Walk” is also a metaphor of our relationship. While I am the “Lead” Pastor, and Cris is the “Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship,” we walk together in the work. We coordinate our efforts with feelings of mutual respect, and things flow seamlessly without a sense of hierarchy. I have experience from years in ministry that I bring to the relationship, but Cris has wisdom, experience, and perspectives of his own. I am always learning.

Much of what happens around the church arises out of our weekly “walk” together. You may already be recognizing Cris’ unique stamp on much of what is happening at Bethel—from mid-week video updates and an improved media presence to developments in our worship services. He is investing in our young adults and actively supporting our small group leaders.

We are happy to be walking together, and privileged to be walking with you!
—Pastor Tom 

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