Pastor’s Corner September 2013

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

In my sixteen plus years at Redeemer, the last year has been one of the most unusual and challenging. The transition of Brian and Travis to pioneer the Manhattan Project was so natural on one hand, yet strangely painful on the other.

As the senior pastor, one of my chief roles, with the accountability of the Session, is to form and nurture an effective ministry team. I really don’t like the term “staff”. We’re a team of ministers (small “m”, for those keen on particular presbyterian designations) called to help nurture this local expression of God’s precious flock, called Redeemer.

Calling Nathan, Jon, Brian and now Jake, to come be part of this ministry team were careful, calculated decisions. Lydia and Janell are also vital parts of our team. I view our core, vocational, ministry team as six people. Of course, we are a commissioned extension of the shepherding oversight of the Session, called by you, the flock, to serve and equip Redeemer.

I confess anxiety when I was thinking of how to replace Brian. How would we find the right person to join this team? There are many models churches and organizations follow when selecting staff members. But we didn’t need a staff member, we needed someone to join our team.

I have known Jake Tassy since I was a child. His family was used by God to nurture me when I was young in my walk with Christ. I have looked up to Jake as a strong brother in Christ most of our lives. He has an infectious passion for Christ and the encouragement of God’s people. I have watched his incredibly fruitful ministries to youth and their families for the past twenty years. I remember calling him after knowing Brian would be leaving. I figured he would be committed to something else. “There’s no way he would be available,” I thought. In an effort to cover our bases, I followed some other solid leads and had some preliminary conversations with some solid “candidates”. Still, I knew of Jake’s depth, experience, passion for discipleship, and our proven ability to work together.

That last point is important. We’re a team of ministers. The better we get along, the more everyone under our care will benefit. We are to be examples of unity and selflessness for the body. I was sure Jake would plug right in where Brian left off and we wouldn’t miss a beat. Further, Jake has the gifts necessary at this stage of Redeemer’s life. He’s just the right person to take the baton from Brian. So, you can imagine my delight when I discovered the point of transition he was in with his ministry at Alliance Academy in Ecuador.

Now, I know you have just met Jake, so it will take time for you to see what I am saying. Please be patient and gracious. Jake will need time to understand us and get back into “PCA culture” (yes, Reformed churches have a certain culture), but he’s a consummate student of people, so it won’t take too long. Give him grace, be faithful in prayer for his family, and help in whatever way you can. I am absolutely confident your family will be blessed by the ministry of my dear brother.

We have a wonderful ministry team at Redeemer. I am not dishing flattery when I say of Janell, Lydia, Nathan, Jon, and Jake, I am the least of these. I thank God they are with me as we join to serve and equip the dear flock of God called Redeemer.

In the Lamb,

Pastor Tony Felich