Pastoral Transition Announcement
Dear Grace Mosaic Members,
We are writing to share some unexpected and hard news that deeply affects our Grace Mosaic community. Our Pastors met with the leadership team a few days ago to share some important transitions. After a season of prayer and discernment, Pastor Russ has accepted a call to help plant a new church in Atlanta and will be stepping down at the end of May. After a parallel season of seeking the Lord, Pastor Joel has decided that he too will be transitioning out of his role later this summer, as he seeks to faithfully follow the Lord’s leading in his life. The two attached letters allow each pastor to share the story of his decision, which were arrived at independently. They have both faithfully served and richly blessed this community as leaders. We are incredibly grateful for each of them, their families, and honor them for their years of service and love. Their departures bring us much sorrow.
The convergence of these unanticipated departures will bring a season of transition for our church family. We understand this news may be shocking and raise many questions about the future. Change is hard, and it's perfectly okay to feel the weight of this news (we are as well). As we acknowledge our emotions, we can also remind ourselves where our true assurance is found: Jesus Christ is our unchanging foundation and we are secure in his hands.
Given the newness of this information, we have not yet developed a comprehensive transition plan, but wanted to share this news as quickly as possible. Please know that we will work diligently to ensure that the core ministries and services of our church continue with minimal disruption. The Grace DC network pastors stand ready to support Grace Mosaic and carry this burden with us. We are committed to maintaining the spiritual vitality of our congregation during this period of change, to transparent communications about the next steps, and to communing together – the same type of present love that GMo members have offered each other since our church’s founding.
In the coming weeks, we will provide more information about immediate plans for pastoral care, leading worship, and a search process for new teaching elders. We will hold a congregational meeting at the church on Sunday, April 27 at 5 PM to address initial questions. Additionally, we will also organize distinct farewell events to commemorate the ministries of Pastor Russ, Pastor Joel and their families.
For now, please join with us by praying in three specific ways:
1. For Pastor Russ and Pastor Joel as they follow God's leading in these new seasons of
their lives, and for the transitions their families will undergo.
2. For our church leadership as we seek wisdom and discernment in developing a
transition plan.
3. For our congregation as we navigate this change together, trusting in God's unwavering
love and provision for our future.
Despite this coming change, we know that God is at work in Grace Mosaic, His church. He is the one who has led us to this point, He has been faithful to us in the past, and He will continue to guide us, strengthen us, and provide for us. If you have immediate questions, please feel free to send any questions to elder@gracemosaic.org or contact your assigned shepherding or diaconate team members.
With faith in His love,
The Grace Mosaic Session
