Because many have asked to hear more about the what, how, why, when of our transition from New Hope, I have decided to use my blog to share my personal thoughts and perspectives.
Dear New Hope Session, Staff & Congregation,
Hard to believe, but it was six years ago this July that the
Deffenbacher family said ‘yes’ to joining the pastoral staff at New Hope. It
has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve with such a gifted staff and
incredible congregation. Our family has been blessed by the opportunity to
serve as your pastors.
After almost 20 years of full-time vocational church
ministry, I am feeling led to take a step of faith into a next season of life
and ministry. Not knowing exactly what this means, but after a significant
season of concerted prayer, Amy and I believe that we have accomplished what
the Lord had in store for our time in Portland. We are both confident that the
Lord is currently preparing the way and details for this next chapter.
For the past 16 years Amy has graciously and faithfully made
good on her vow to ‘go where I go’ and has been an incredibly supportive
partner in ministry. Looking into the future I am excited to support the
opportunity Amy has been given to join the teaching faculty at Fresno Christian
school. Blake and Paige are thrilled to be attending Fresno Christian with
their cousins and living in the same city as their grandparents, extended
family and Fresno friends.
What’s next for Brent? Great question. J What I do know for
certain is that the Lord has both ‘called and gifted me’ for ministry, whether
I receive a paycheck or not. Through this process of evaluating and discerning
it is my current plan to begin Doctoral Studies in Transformational Leadership
which I believe will further equip me for what the Lord has in store for the next
20 years of ministry. God is Faithful, so this truly is a next step of faith
and an opportunity for personal spiritual growth.
Amy and I are at peace with this decision, and are not
leaving angry or hurt. We love the New Hope community and have considered it an
incredible honor to have served and blessed by you for the past six years. Because
I am absolutely committed to leaving well and not immediately transitioning
into a new ministry role, it is my heartfelt desire to continue to serve on the
New Hope staff in whatever capacity leadership would deme most helpful.
What’s next for New Hope? Great things! Having just
celebrated our 40th Anniversary I am confident that the Lord will
continue to be faithful during this next season of ministry and into the next
40 years. As leadership makes plans for the future I am praying for both the
wisdom to discern and courage to embrace God’s plan for the future.
Grace & Peace,
Brent Deffenbacher
