Update February 1, 2012

The Pastor Search Committee continues to meet.  They have two exciting goals for the months ahead.  By the end of February, the committee will have all of the potential pastor candidates screened and ready for interviews.  They plan to have interviews completed and be in negotiations with our future pastor by August.  Our new pastor will hopefully start in September.   Please pray for Arlie, Jeannette, Chris, John, Troy, Bill, Joan, and our future pastor as they follow the Lord’s direction.

Update October 7, 2011

More than ever, your prayers are more valuable than silver and gold.  As you sit before the Lord, please spend a moment reading through Psalm 136 and take to heart the words, “His love endures forever.”  Please keep all of these things lifted up:

Thanksgiving and Praise to our Heavenly Father “Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness.  His faithful love endures forever. “ Psalm 136 (NLT)

Let our church family be hopeful and united in love during these times of change. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,” Ephesians 3:16-18

We ask for wisdon for our leaders involved in the transition.  “Look to the LORD and His strength; Seek His face always.”  1 Chronicles 16:11

Give thanks to the Lord for our Interim Pastor, Harry Wood.  

Thank you Lord for giving us Pastor Craig, Chrissy, Kellye, James and Marisa.  May the Lord bless them on their new journeys.

Update October 3, 2011

Lynn Knutson announced yesterday, October 2nd, that Harry Wood, former pastor of the Visalia First Methodist Church has accepted the offer to be our Interim Pastor.  Harry will begin on  November 1, 2011.  There will be a special reception for Harry and his wife Ruth on Sunday evening, November 13 from 4:00 to 6:00pm. 

Update June 7, 2011

The Pastoral Planning Team is currently accepting applicants for the Interim Senior Pastor position.  Resumes will be accepted until the close of business on July 29th.  Those interested can find more information here: Interim Pastor Job Announcement

 Update June 5, 2011

On Sunday morning, June 5, at a Special Called Meeting of the Church the following 7 people were elected to the Pastoral Search Committee.

Bill Adkins, Jeanette Derr, Chris Manley, Joan Nelson, Arlie Rogers, John Pendegraft, and Troy Yarbrough

 Update May 21st

The special business meeting is coming up on June 5th.  That's only a week or so away.  The servant board has prepared a plan. Now, it is time for the congregation to speak.

Who should be be nominated for the pastoral search committee?  Has God put someone on your heart?  Maybe, it's a friend you hold in high regard or your hero of the faith.  We need 7 faithful members for this mission.

Our church is made of a wonderful body of believers.  It is our prayer that the group is made up of men and women, the young and the more seasoned, the outspoken and the soft spoken, the long time member and the new member, too.  Most importantly, the group will be people with a passion for Christ willing to listen to the church and God's calling for our future.

If you intend to nominate someone, please ask them ahead of time. It's better not to put them on the spot.  Regardless, please be praying for God to bless this time.

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

Anytime we can gather with Him, exciting things happen.

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Update April 29th

The Servant Board and Planning Team have met and agreed on a transition plan.  We now have a roadmap of where we are going on our journey. 

A crucial element to finding a new pastor is the Pastor Search Team.  This team will be chosen by the congregation at a special business meeting of the church membership on June 5th after the 10am service.  The Pastoral Search Team will consist of 7 members in good standing elected from the membership at large.  Membership is important for all those who wish to participate in the election of the Pastoral Search Team.  Nominees, those nominating, and those voting all need to be members.

The Servant Board scheduled the business meeting in June to allow for anyone interested in becoming a member to do so.  A membership class will begin on May 1 in Pastor Craig’s office.  Please pray during the month of May for God to guide our congregation in selecting the Pastor Search Team. 

On March 9, our pastor of 18 years announced that he will be moving.  Our church is now on a Pastor Journey.  At the March board meeting, Craig gave his letter of resignation as Senior Pastor effective October 31, 2011.  The board accepted his resignation.  Click here  for the audio link of what was shared by Pastor Craig, John Pendegraft and Renee Carothers during church on March 13th. 

The Servant Board will follow our church constitution  as we move forward in the search for a new Senior Pastor, but before the search begins the Servant Board has set up three transition teams covering prayer, planning and communication.  A season of prayer is the right way to start this process.  The Prayer Team will provide specifics to pray and help us to seek God and has planned a 24 Hour Day of Prayer on April 8, beginning at 4pm.  We encourage all of you to sign up in the back of the church to pray.  The Planning Team is responsible for drafting a transition plan, presenting it to the Servant Board and congregation, keeping us on track and making changes to the plan while we are on the journey.  This team is not the Search Committee.  This team is planning the transition, not beginning the search.  The Communication Team will communicate the plans, ideas and news to the congregation about Our Pastor Journey.  Information will be shared during worship services and published in the church Lift Letter, on the church website (www.selmafirstbaptist.org), the church’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/selmafbc ) and email updates (fill out the form below).

Please contact any of the Servant Board members if you have concerns.  Serving on the Servant Board are John Pendegraft, Renee Carothers, Joe Harrell, Lynn Knutson, Gary McKay, Steve Nash, Mike Nelson, Robert Nielsen, and Troy Yarbrough. 

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