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Leaving and Leading (Part 1 – The Introduction
So today starts the series I’m calling Leaving and Leading. I thought I’d start with where I am today, and then work backwards. After a week or so of transition, I feel like today is my first official day working. The transition period is so crazy. I have found myself wondering aimlessly through the building looking for the bathroom… my office… or even a familiar face.
So after a week of wondering, here’s the first email that I sent. It’s a great starting point in that it explains a little of my role and the task at hand.
Here it is:
Yesterday afternoon, I found myself sitting back and truly thanking God for all the great things that he has done for me over the last week. I want to start by thanking Fellowship for a great welcome. Last weekend was amazing and my family feels so loved. We have managed to unpack most of the boxes…at least all the essentials are safely put away in their new place. We are excited to be back in Ohio and call Chagrin Falls our home.
Although my first official day in the office was September 1, I did get to spend a couple “unofficial” days getting to know the staff and discovering what an amazing team we have here at Fellowship. I really am encouraged to be moving into a position that will oversee such a growing ministry.
If there is one thing I’ve learned over the years in ministry, it’s that during a time of transition, communication is king. If you’ll hang in there for just a few lines more- I want to give you a quick overview of (1) Who I am, (2) What’s my job, and (3) What this means for you.
1. Who I am
My wife, Aime, and I have been in ministry for over 14 years. Most recently we served in Indianapolis, Indiana where I worked with families as the Pastor if Children’s Ministries for the past five years. I have a Bible degree from Cedarville University and a Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Liberty University. We have five children, 4 daughters and 1 son, ranges in ages from 11-15 months. We are proud members of the Buckeye Nation (although I never attended OSU…yet)
2. What’s my job
My title is Pastor of Community and Family Formation. As the PCFF I’m charged to develop a holistic approach to our ministries for children and teens, intertwined with Community Groups, new programs for parents and adults, worship, missions and service.
My title is Pastor of Community and Family Formation. As the PCFF I have the privilege of developing a holistic approach to our ministries from children all the way through adults. This includes guiding our Community Groups as they engage in the Word, Inner Life and Missional Living. I will also oversee classes for adults. I am excited to intertwine our children, teens and adult ministries to help us all move forward on our spiritual journey. Whether you are single, married, have children or grandchildren we all can agree that helping our families develop good spiritual habits is a good thing.
3. What this means
This means that along with working very closely with both the Children’s and Student ministries to develop a family approach to ministry, I will also oversee Community Groups.
Here at Fellowship we believe firmly that community is the bedrock of the Christian faith. It’s all about a relationships. God calls us into a relationship with Him. Christ came to us and died so that this relationship could be re-established. We walk in relationship with Him through the power of His Holy Spirit, AND if this isn’t enough, God has called us to go on this journey…in community. We put it like this: As maturing worshippers of Christ we are to be cultivating the Inner Life, living Missionally, and growing in our understanding and knowledge of the Word of God. Community groups are crucial here at Fellowship in that we believe that these components will only produce a well-rounded believer when it is rooted in Community.
Thank you all again for the opportunity you have given me to serve Fellowship in this capacity. Please know that I’m here for you if you have any questions, concerns, or just need a listening ear on this journey. Feel free to contact me or just stop by. I’d love to grab a cup of coffee and talk.
Owned by God,
Joe McGinnis
Pastor of Community and Family Formation
Fellowship Bible Church
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Tags: Family Ministry, Fellowship Bible Church, Introductions, Leadership, Leaving and Leading
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