My Transition from New Hope

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 40^th 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