A new season of ministry

To my family at Rochester Church:

Yesterday, I announced I am expanding my responsibilities here at Rochester Church. I wanted to take a few minutes to address what that means for our church and the Ministry for Families with Youth.

I am excited for the future of Rochester Church. We are entering a new season filled with hope and opportunity and, as we partner with God in the future, I believe we will echo the words of the Apostle Paul, who wrote, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)

As we begin this new season of ministry, I want to begin by saying that I will continue to be involved with my ministry to Rochester’s families with youth. My new role is an expansion of what I have been doing for the last five years. My goal is to help create throughout all four LifeStages the environment we have developed over the last five years in Families with Youth. I will continue to work with our students and families as my responsibilities expand.

As I mentioned in a meeting with parents and students on September 1, my desire is to continue a significant level of personal interaction with students in the future. That will require us to raise up and equip more volunteers to help with some of the logistical functions I have personally taken care of in the past. These volunteers will allow me to continue to interact with students and families as well as address my new responsibilities. In addition, we will be considering additional staff that I would work with and mentor as a ministry partner. As we evaluate the best way to effectively minister to our families with youth, we plan to include our students and families in any significant decisions regarding staff.

In my new role, I will also be supporting and coordinating pastoral efforts for all LifeStages. Working with Elders, Pastoral Care Ministers, Staff, and others, my goal is to increase our pastoral care for the family here at Rochester Church. In addition to ministering to those in difficult situations and seasons, we are going to be more intentional about creating ways to increase ongoing pastoral connections with the families here.

There are two other aspects of my new role that we believe will aid people in getting connected and staying connected. I will be coordinating and supporting our new member integration efforts. As we seek to help people connect, grow, and serve here at Rochester Church, we are hoping to build on the things we are doing to facilitate even more opportunities for new members to become an active part of this church body.

The other piece is to help people stay connected. One of the most important venues for creating an environment where people can establish deeper roots at Rochester Church is through small groups. While small groups have been an important part of the lives of some of our members, we are convinced that we can, and must, place a more intentional focus on small groups. Small groups is one of the most important places at Rochester Church where we can connect, grow, and serve.

I am excited about the future here at Rochester Church. I believe that God is going to move powerfully around us, in us, and through us in the months and years ahead. As I have told some of you before, I believe that God does some of His best work in seasons of change. As we move into a new season of ministry here at Rochester Church, I am blessed to be a part of an incredible team and a wonderful church family. I will enjoy continuing to work with our students and their families while expanding into new areas of serving. I look forward to many more years of working in the Kingdom with you.

shine!
Jason