PPRC Statement

UPDATE FROM THE PASTOR PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE:

Four years ago, as Pastor Randy was about to step down as the SEC lead pastor, he told us “the river is changing.” At the time, none of us could have imagined the change that was coming. As Randy was leaving and we were concerned about the future of our church, one of the verses the LORD gave us was Isaiah 14:24 - “The LORD of hosts has sworn saying, “Surely, just as I have intended, so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand.”” This verse provided encouragement because even though we didn’t know the future, we knew that God was in control. What we didn’t know was that God was about to test our church in ways we could not have imagined.

If you’ve been attending SEC for more than a year, you’ve seen our church go through a very difficult time. We have had dissension, strife, and division resulting in confusion and uncertainty and we have had friends, family and staff leave the church. But even during this difficult time, God was in control. In Isaiah 43:1-3, God says “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk though the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” God didn’t say we wouldn’t pass through the waters, but that when we do, he would not allow the river to overflow us!

Nine months ago, our church was broken and uncertain what to do next. But God began to unveil His plan to rebuild SEC. He gave us Jim Neifert to lead us through the rebuilding process; Josh Bray and Daniel Lee to feed us from the pulpit on Sunday; Jonathan Mauer to lead us in worship on Sunday morning and in prayer Sunday evening; and a staff committed to meeting the needs of the church even though their numbers had been cut in half.

As a congregation, God has grown us to realize the importance of unity within the church body. We realize the critical need to seek the LORD’s guidance and direction through prayer. And God has heard and is answering our prayers and filling our church with His Holy Spirit! We see God at work in our youth as they come forward to pray with each other at the altar on Sunday mornings; in our community with the Highland After School Program where over forty children accepted the LORD last year; in the Ladies program which was just recently relaunched; and in many other areas of the church. Attendance is growing and our financial needs are being met. God is rebuilding our church. He is faithful!

I want to encourage us today to look forward, not backward. In Isaiah 43:18-19, God says “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?”

Today, I have the privilege of telling you about something new God is about to do within our church. Before I do, I want to give you a little background about our church. SEC is a member of the Evangelical Church of America and a part of the Pacific Conference which is made up of 53 churches in the Northwest. In the Evangelical Church, the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) has the responsibility to work with our Conference Superintendent to select our lead pastor. You have been faithfully praying for the PPRC as we sought the LORD’s direction for our lead pastor. Members of the PPRC include Gwen Scruggs, Keith Rosentrater, Mick Bryson, Danielle Johnston, Bill Wall, Nathan Richard, and myself.

Several months ago, the PPRC felt the LORD’s leading to begin discussions on seeking our next lead pastor. We felt the LORD telling us to look within our church, not outside. That leading was confirmed by comments from many members of the congregation. We began discussions with Daniel Lee to determine if the LORD was leading him to the possibility of becoming our lead pastor. Over the last few months, as we continued to meet with Daniel, we felt he was the man God wanted to shepherd SEC.

Who is Daniel Lee?

Since January, our congregation has had an opportunity to get to better know Daniel through his sermons and sharing from the stage.

• Daniel is 37 years old and came to know the Lord when he was 10.
• After marrying Rachel their family has grown to five children: Obadiah, Phoebe, Ezekiel, Eunice, and Harmony.
• He has been a part of this church for 28 years and served as a volunteer youth leader for over ten years.
• In 2011, he became the Mid-High Youth Pastor and served in that position for over 10 years.
• Over the last few years, his ministry within the church has focused on discipleship.
• Daniel’s experience has been enhanced by the current leadership teams of the Church Council, Pastor-Parish, Finance, Trustees, and Missions, in addition to support and development from the Conference Superintendent.

Daniel meets the Biblical and Conference Discipline standards for being the Lead Pastor:

• He has a degree in biblical studies from Moody Bible Institute.
• He has completed his Master's in Ministry from the Pacific Evangelical School of Ministry.
• He will be licensed as a Pastor in our denomination on November 13th.

As your Pastor Parish Relations Committee, we can attest that Daniel:

• Leads as the Holy Spirit directs with sound spiritual depth
• Demonstrates servant leadership
• Personifies a humble servant
• Shows compassion and empathy
• Demonstrates Biblical shepherding
• Values deep meaningful prayer
• Walks with integrity

On August 27th, the PPRC met with the Conference Superintendent and unanimously recommended that Daniel Lee become the next lead pastor of SEC. Our Conference Superintendent fully agreed with our recommendation.

What will the transition look like?

Over the next six months, Daniel will gradually take on supervisory responsibilities to include Discipleship, Worship Services, Missions, Church Ministries, Leadership, Committees, Administration and Congregational Care.

To aid in this transition:

• We will send out a document to the church body via email, social media, website, and press release of what is being shared with you tonight.
• At the October 6th Sunday morning worship service, we will provide feedback cards so you can provide comments and ask questions.
• On October 13th, at the Sunday evening service, we will have answers to your questions and allow time for additional questions.

What about our other pastors?

• Jonathan will continue to lead worship.
• Josh will move over to discipleship and continue to be a part of the preaching rotation.
• Jim will work with Daniel over the next few months to help with the transition and then he will take a well-deserved retirement. He and Lin will continue to be actively involved in the church.

Daniel will be Commissioned by the Conference Superintendent as our Lead Pastor in the Sunday morning service on November 17th. He will report to and be accountable to the PPRC and to the Conference Superintendent.

On behalf of the PPRC, it is my privilege to introduce to you Daniel Lee, the Lead Pastor Elect for Salem Evangelical Church.

Rod Rosenkranz, Chair

Your Pastor-Parish Relations Committee