Shepherd's Heart 10/24/25

Normally when I get the chance to stand in front of you, it’s because there’s an announcement to share... or because someone else in leadership asked for my help to make something serious a little funny.

Today, though, I get to write to you about our pastors and the season ahead for our church.

In the three years since my family joined Good Shepherd, one of the greatest blessings has been the chance to get to know our pastors. They’ve met Lauren and I in moments of need, they’ve loved our kids well, and I’ve been shaped by the unique gifts God has given each of them. I’m grateful for Pastor Tara Beth’s leadership, Pastor Elisabeth’s friendship, Pastor Pamela’s kindness, and Pastor Greg’s joy, just to name a few.

Recently, one of our pastors shared a unique definition for their job. She said that her role is to show up for people in moments of both celebration and tension, to walk with them, and to help them take the next step God has for them. Over time, I’ve learned that this isn’t just a job description for ordained pastors, it’s part of discipleship for all of us.

I’ve watched Council members, staff, and so many of you in the congregation embody this by showing up, caring for one another, and walking together through life. The ground truly is "level at the foot of the cross." This may not be a new idea to many of you, but it’s a truth worth holding close as we step into this next season.

Through the Forward generosity initiative, we are making room for more families, families like mine from just a few years ago. We are expanding our impact from Naperville to Nairobi. And we are preparing worship spaces that help every person know they belong and that they are invited to that same level ground.

It’s a bold vision, and it will take every one of us to make it real. You get to answer the question "what is my role in this vision?" however you wish, but I would encourage you to take the time to bring your version of that question to God.

One part of my role is to keep you informed:

• If you missed the Liturgy of Changing Spaces, you can see the recording of our building team's presentation here. 
• Throughout this period of construction, you can expect regular communication from our Council, our building team, and myself. This page on our website will have the most up to date information, and we'll use every communication channel, from emails to in-person gatherings, to invite all of us on this journey.
• You can also a few glimpses of what our building will look like below, courtesy of the Aspen Group. If you have any questions about Forward and you don't know where to start, drop your thoughts into our questions inbox so we can get you connected to whoever can help you.

Good Shepherd, thank you for pastoring me and my family so well. We are humbled by the foundation of faith we stepped into. We are grateful for what we’ve built together these past three years. And I am excited — deeply excited — for what we’re about to build next.

With gratitude,
Ross