by Pastor Steve Griffith, Transition Pastor
By now you have read and heard the news that Pastor Justin will be leaving First Lutheran for a call in Atlanta, Georgia. This means three of our rostered leaders have accepted exciting new calls in the past six months.
Let me fill you in on what’s happening next…
The Council has finished writing the Ministry Site Profile, drawing on information gleaned from a congregational survey last spring. It is posted on our website and they invite your comments until October 9 by emailing info@flclincoln.org. Guided by the wisdom of the congregation, they will make final revisions to the MSP and submit it to the Synod. Then, with the Bishop’s approval, it will be posted to the ELCA online database and shared with pastors across the country. Pastor Megan Morrow will then train the Call Committee, and they will begin preparing to interview candidates.
Meanwhile the Council has met with Pastor Megan and is considering options for securing additional staff during the transition. I will continue working with the congregation, the Council and the Call Committee through the whole process.
First Lutheran is well known not only in Nebraska, but nationwide. This congregation deserves and will attract the best and brightest pastors in the country. It may seem that the search is taking a long time, but I’m told that we are actually a little ahead of the common timeline. You can afford to take time to be selective and find the best pastors for First Lutheran. All of it will happen with God’s guidance and in God’s time. I will do my best to keep you informed about what’s happening, where we are in the process, and what’s next.
Of course, the Council is beginning plans for ways to say, “Thank you” and “Farewell,” to Pastor Justin. I hope you will join me in wishing him, Kari and Everette the very best.
