State of the Church

When I was called as Senior Pastor five years ago, I began writing an annual letter. My intent was to give insights into where Sheridan’s ministry is and where I hoped we might go together. I keep writing it each year because of the positive feedback I receive.

A letter to the congregation from Sheridan’s Senior Pastor

Over the past several months I have felt a new tug of the Spirit. I have been challenged by this – seeking to figure out where my growing sense of discontent is located. Unlocking this for me has been a journey. Why? Because I look around and I see so much that is positive.

Sheridan continues to grow in the ways most churches count as successful – membership, worship attendance and giving. We are also a thriving community in the other, more important, metrics – the engagement of members, the number of volunteers in missions and serving and the number of Readiness Fund projects completed. Even more, the “immeasurables” are also overwhelmingly positive. We have an energy at Sheridan. Members of our church family find comfort, compassion and care here. Indeed, we are so blessed.

So why have I felt so challenged, when I know we have it so good?

I trace this sense of discontent, the Spirit’s nudge, on events over time. In essence, it is a long story – a story to be told over time. Simply put, we need to find a new way to organize ourselves as a congregation and specifically as a staff. We have grown and therefore outgrown the set of expectations and parameters. I am certain that God is calling this to change.

For nearly ten years we have, for good reason, kept our General Fund level. At the same time, we have sought to do more ministry with the same level of funding. I look at our church now as opposed to where we were ten years ago and I hardly recognize it. Yet we are basically doing this with the same resources. I am tired. Even more, your staff is tired. And our ministry is suffering because of the pace we keep. Things need to change and I believe the Spirit is leading this change.

So, we have done some much-needed reflection and we will invite our entire congregation to do the same. In January of 2017, we will have a renewed emphasis on stewardship, so as to build up our church. We all know that our Christian faith is best embodied and measured by the giving of our time, talent and treasure. Our renewed emphasis will call for new learning and personal reflection. We are so blessed. We are doing so well. We are growing, but we are not gaining. Each of us needs to reflect on how we might more fully empower our amazing church home.

Be assured that I love this community. I feel humbly privileged to lead Sheridan. I deeply value our talented and dedicated staff as you do, I’m sure (and please let them know this). I do believe we have a great deal of untapped potential and I long for us to give ourselves to God. It remains a privilege to be your pastor.