A Final Note from Pastor Dancy

What a joy, privilege, and challenge it has been serving with God’s redeemed people at St. Peter’s for these last 15 months! On your journey of faith as a congregation that began seven generations ago, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside saints of four of those generations for a very short time of transition. It’s been more than two years since Pastor Steve Ahlersmeyer left, and the church is more than ready for her new Sr. Pastor to be sent by our Lord. Continue to pray for His time, and His choice.

I’ve shared some regular pastoral responsibilities with the other pastors at St. Peter’s, such as preaching, leading worship, and teaching. My other task was to prepare the congregation for a new Sr. Pastor, much as John the Baptist prepared folks for the coming of the Messiah. John and I both had a job to do, asking some uncomfortable questions and screaming “repent,” and then it was time for us to leave. The church got a “reset.” I’m just glad I got to keep my head.

While at St. Peter’s, I had the pleasure of working with an Interim Transition Committee of about 30 wonderful people who helped put together a survey for the congregation, seeking the most essential qualities for a new Sr. Pastor. The Call Committee is working diligently, studying information from candidates to soon bring before the congregation.

There have been several changes and transitions in the congregation over the last few years that have been a bit unsettling, but I have found St. Peter’s Church, school, and pre-school to be basically healthy. Like many of us, we are ‘out of shape’ and need some attention, but St. Peter’s is a Sleeping Giant waiting for a leader to wake you up, gather you together, and point the way.

Trying to get to the bottom of some discord, I conducted 125 interviews. I discovered the real culprit was your bylaws and governance that pitted good folks against one another. Your leaders found a great governance vehicle to replace your old Yugo that was blowing smoke.

I will greatly miss the leaders, staff, and members of St. Peter’s, as I have unfortunately become attached to many of you. Thanks for putting up with me. God’s peace to you.

Pastor Paul Dancy