Shepherd's Heart 2/20/26
Dear Good Shepherd family,
Over the past several months, the Congregational Council has been prayerfully discerning how best to steward the ministry, leadership, and people God has entrusted to us in this season. After careful discussion and a formal Council vote, we want to share an important update with you regarding pastoral staffing plans.
The Council has approved moving forward with two pastoral search committees, each with a distinct focus and purpose. This is a decided direction, and we are now beginning the work of carrying it out. The first search committee will focus on calling an Executive Pastor of Ministry. This role is intended to provide staff leadership, coordination, and ministry oversight across the life of the church. As our ministries continue to grow and become more complex, this position will help ensure that our shared vision is carried out thoughtfully and sustainably. This role is designed to strengthen our overall leadership structure, support the ministry of our Senior Pastor and staff, and provide clear organizational leadership for the years ahead. Because of the importance of this role to our overall health and direction, this search will move forward promptly.
The second search committee has been formed to focus on an additional staff pastor role to strengthen pastoral leadership and ministry development within our congregation. Further details regarding the scope and emphasis of this role will be clarified as the committee begins its work in partnership with church leadership and brings forward recommendations for Council review.
Both of these positions are staff pastor roles, not associate pastors called by congregational vote. For that reason, these searches will not involve a congregational vote. At the same time, we deeply value congregational involvement and input. The use of search committees allows members of the congregation to participate meaningfully in the discernment process while maintaining clarity around our governance structure. Search committee members will be announced once each committee has been fully formed and oriented to its role, expectations, and charge.
We know that leadership transitions and staffing decisions can raise questions, especially given the journey our congregation has walked in recent years. Please know that this decision has been made with care, prayer, and a desire to build long-term health and sustainable ministry for the future of Good Shepherd.
We invite you to join us in praying for wisdom and discernment for the Council, the search committees, our staff, and for the pastors God is already preparing to serve among us. We are excited about what God will do through these searches and confident that He will use this season to strengthen our leadership, clarify our vision, and position Good Shepherd for faithful ministry in the years ahead.
Thank you for your trust, your prayers, and your continued love for this congregation and its mission.
In Christ,
Tyler Wojtkiewicz
Council President
Over the past several months, the Congregational Council has been prayerfully discerning how best to steward the ministry, leadership, and people God has entrusted to us in this season. After careful discussion and a formal Council vote, we want to share an important update with you regarding pastoral staffing plans.
The Council has approved moving forward with two pastoral search committees, each with a distinct focus and purpose. This is a decided direction, and we are now beginning the work of carrying it out. The first search committee will focus on calling an Executive Pastor of Ministry. This role is intended to provide staff leadership, coordination, and ministry oversight across the life of the church. As our ministries continue to grow and become more complex, this position will help ensure that our shared vision is carried out thoughtfully and sustainably. This role is designed to strengthen our overall leadership structure, support the ministry of our Senior Pastor and staff, and provide clear organizational leadership for the years ahead. Because of the importance of this role to our overall health and direction, this search will move forward promptly.
The second search committee has been formed to focus on an additional staff pastor role to strengthen pastoral leadership and ministry development within our congregation. Further details regarding the scope and emphasis of this role will be clarified as the committee begins its work in partnership with church leadership and brings forward recommendations for Council review.
Both of these positions are staff pastor roles, not associate pastors called by congregational vote. For that reason, these searches will not involve a congregational vote. At the same time, we deeply value congregational involvement and input. The use of search committees allows members of the congregation to participate meaningfully in the discernment process while maintaining clarity around our governance structure. Search committee members will be announced once each committee has been fully formed and oriented to its role, expectations, and charge.
We know that leadership transitions and staffing decisions can raise questions, especially given the journey our congregation has walked in recent years. Please know that this decision has been made with care, prayer, and a desire to build long-term health and sustainable ministry for the future of Good Shepherd.
We invite you to join us in praying for wisdom and discernment for the Council, the search committees, our staff, and for the pastors God is already preparing to serve among us. We are excited about what God will do through these searches and confident that He will use this season to strengthen our leadership, clarify our vision, and position Good Shepherd for faithful ministry in the years ahead.
Thank you for your trust, your prayers, and your continued love for this congregation and its mission.
In Christ,
Tyler Wojtkiewicz
Council President