Tuesday, December 11, 2007

New Job

Well, it's official. We announced to our Calvary Church staff today that I am moving into a new position. Starting sort of now and officially in January, I am the Executive Pastor of Ministry at Calvary Church. Michael is the Executive Pastor of Administration. If you're not in ministry, it's like Michael is the CFO and I am the COO of the company under the CEO/Senior Pastor.

This is a huge change for me. I will be overseeing the majority of the ministries of Calvary Church including having a level of oversight of the school and preschool. We have something like 150 employees in the church, school, and preschool. So this is a big responsibility. I feel like this is the kind of position that God has created me for. It's going to be a challenge with preaching still in our Elevation service about 15 times per year, giving some direct oversight to Mens Ministry, and overseeing Children's, Students, Young Adults, Outreach, Assimilation, Counseling, Recovery, Small Groups, Adult Ed, Seniors, and some other ministries.

I also can recognize that I am on the younger side for a position like this. But I know that's part of why I am in this position - to bring a fresh and new approach to ministry at Calvary Church. Please pray for me and for a ton of other changes taking place at Calvary.

One of the biggest aspects of this change for me is that I won't be a "Youth Pastor" anymore. My identity (for better or for worse) has been pretty tied into being a youth pastor. It's odd to be on the other side. I think I will be grieving that for a little while.

7 comments:

Melissa Brosch said...

I'm so happy about the change Eric. (minus the fact that you're leaving student ministries and I am not the chosen one to take over your office). But Congratulations on letting God use you in this new way. I think you're the right guy for the job.

ashdown said...

CONGRATS!
the ducks still suck though...

Timoteo said...

What did you really have to do to get this job?

Does this give you access to the company jet, and an outrageous spending allowance like the one I had when I was at calvary?

Anonymous said...

I am happy for you too, but mostly I am so proud of the constant humility you have shown in this. I feel honored that I get to see and be a part of the sides of you that no one else does.
PS don't you have some laundry to be doing? all my t-shirts are dirty=)

Jeremy Copeland said...

That's great news Eric. I hope it's exactly where God can use you best. I have a pretty significant change coming in ministry as well, so I know what those feelings are like. I will be praying for you and Bea.

Beth Christensen said...

Eric,

Wow! Awesome! This is so exciting. I know it's scary for some, but we've prayed for and paid for (consultants) change, so here we are. =) So thankful you'll play a significant role. Your awesome (and so is your wife BTW) and I know you'll do a great job.

Beth

tam said...

Good changes to position us for future growth! I'm super excited for you and for how God will reveal Himself to us in the days ahead. Just don't get the big head, okay? Don't start kicking people out of their offices and stuff like that...wait...what?