Shepherd's Heart 1/2/26
Long walks filled with prayer and conversation through the Arizona countryside brought us clarity that God was directing us to come back to the Naperville area. Our family was expanding as we welcomed our first grandson, and we knew that being a part of this next generation’s journey was important. And so, as you know, in the Spring of 2023 we moved back to what we have always considered to be our home.
We have told the story often that God had additional reasons for us to be back in Naperville. Those reasons intersected with you, Good Shepherd Church, and with my good friend and ministry partner Pastor Tara Beth Leach. As we crest into 2026, I am sure that what God has called me to be a part of here at Good Shepherd is finding a next chapter.
Let's get to the heart of what you're probably thinking… “Is he leaving?” The answer to that would be no… is my role shifting… yes. Starting in January I am reducing my hours a bit and will no longer have a physical office presence.
I will still be a part of the Teaching Team, and you will see me leading worship… just not every week. I will also be available to engage any area of ministry that might need my help, from working with Pastor Tara Beth and the Staff, as well as any area of ministry that needs pastoral support. If you ever desire a conversation or my help, please reach out and we can set a time to talk. As we move beyond Easter my hours will be minimal and mostly will be focused on worship and preaching.
I do want to celebrate what retirement is all about! IdaLynn and I have a list of things we want to do. There are places to go and people to see, especially making sure we invest in our three grandsons. Some of you might be thinking “Oh he will never really retire!”… and you would be right. Our continued work with our not for profit 4:13 will keep us quite busy raising funds and awareness for God’s children globally, especially at Cherish Watoto Kenya!
My movement also brings the opportunity for Good Shepherd to locate a pastor to work with you in this next chapter of ministry. We have had an opening in our pastoral ranks for a while, and the Search Committee is forming to fill that opportunity. With me heading to fewer hours as we move into the Spring it will allow Good Shepherd’s leadership to evaluate the staff structure and hire a pastor who brings some “seasoned experience”.
Actually, we are not going away from Good Shepherd. It will be a place where we worship and serve alongside each of you!
So, no need for goodbyes… but celebrate with me the bright future here at Good Shepherd!
It has always been an honor to serve in pastoral ministry here at Good Shepherd. I give thanks for each of you and this special place we call home!
-Pastor Greg Wenhold
We have told the story often that God had additional reasons for us to be back in Naperville. Those reasons intersected with you, Good Shepherd Church, and with my good friend and ministry partner Pastor Tara Beth Leach. As we crest into 2026, I am sure that what God has called me to be a part of here at Good Shepherd is finding a next chapter.
Let's get to the heart of what you're probably thinking… “Is he leaving?” The answer to that would be no… is my role shifting… yes. Starting in January I am reducing my hours a bit and will no longer have a physical office presence.
I will still be a part of the Teaching Team, and you will see me leading worship… just not every week. I will also be available to engage any area of ministry that might need my help, from working with Pastor Tara Beth and the Staff, as well as any area of ministry that needs pastoral support. If you ever desire a conversation or my help, please reach out and we can set a time to talk. As we move beyond Easter my hours will be minimal and mostly will be focused on worship and preaching.
I do want to celebrate what retirement is all about! IdaLynn and I have a list of things we want to do. There are places to go and people to see, especially making sure we invest in our three grandsons. Some of you might be thinking “Oh he will never really retire!”… and you would be right. Our continued work with our not for profit 4:13 will keep us quite busy raising funds and awareness for God’s children globally, especially at Cherish Watoto Kenya!
My movement also brings the opportunity for Good Shepherd to locate a pastor to work with you in this next chapter of ministry. We have had an opening in our pastoral ranks for a while, and the Search Committee is forming to fill that opportunity. With me heading to fewer hours as we move into the Spring it will allow Good Shepherd’s leadership to evaluate the staff structure and hire a pastor who brings some “seasoned experience”.
Actually, we are not going away from Good Shepherd. It will be a place where we worship and serve alongside each of you!
So, no need for goodbyes… but celebrate with me the bright future here at Good Shepherd!
It has always been an honor to serve in pastoral ministry here at Good Shepherd. I give thanks for each of you and this special place we call home!
-Pastor Greg Wenhold