Looking Ahead Together

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Over these past two months, my family and I have been deeply grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received. Whether in worship, school chapels, pastoral visits, classroom conversations, or simply chatting in the hallways, we have felt your kindness and your love for Christ. Thank you for that. It has been a joy to listen, learn, and begin to walk alongside you in this ministry.

As I’ve spent time getting to know the congregation and school, I have been encouraged by several things that are clearly strong among us: a sincere love for God’s Word, a deep sense of history and identity, and a real desire to grow in faith and mission. These are tremendous blessings. They are a foundation on which God continues to build.

At the same time, this period of listening has helped clarify some areas that will benefit from renewed attention. These are opportunities, places where strengthening our shared life will help us serve one another and our community more faithfully.

1. Clarity in Governance

We are reviewing and updating the congregation’s policies to ensure transparency, shared understanding, and a healthy leadership structure for both church and school. Clear structures help us work together with confidence.

2. Clarity in Daily Operations

We are gathering and refining the procedures that guide our daily work. When our staff and faculty follow consistent, collaborative processes, our ministries run more smoothly and our mission is easier to carry out.

3. Clarity in Roles and Responsibilities

I am reviewing job descriptions and supervisory expectations to ensure that responsibilities are realistic and well-supported. This will strengthen communication, provide clearer direction, and encourage shared ownership of the ministry we do together.

4. Clarity in Mission and Vision

Perhaps most importantly, it has been some time since we have come together as a congregation to reflect on our shared mission and direction. Now is a good time to gather, listen to one another, and discern where God is leading us next. This is not about changing who we are. It is about focusing and aligning the good work God is already doing among us.

To support this, we will be engaging in a strategic planning process. This process will include opportunities for the whole congregation—members, school families, staff, and leadership—to listen, learn, and reflect together. The outcome will be:

• A three-year ministry roadmap that identifies shared priorities.
• A one-year operational plan that identifies clear, practical goals for our next steps.

This effort will help us say yes to what aligns with our mission, so that our time, resources, and energy are used wisely and joyfully.

This work will take time, patience, and prayer, but I am encouraged. Again and again, I hear a desire to move forward together with unity, purpose, and hope.

Thank you for your welcome, your prayers, and your partnership in the Gospel. It is a privilege to serve as your pastor. Christ is faithful, and He will continue to build His Church among us!

In Christ,

Rev. Danny Eggold