Transition Letter

02/19/2009

Dear Church Family,

Thank you for the gracious way you all encouraged the Denisons as they took their brave step of faith with the Lord to begin their new ministry.  The Lord was clearly leading them to reach out in a broader, kingdom-building ministry and He will honor their faithfulness and dependence on Him.  We should all continue to pray for them, as well as for Jeff Byrd and his family, as they work together to bring spiritual awakening to a broad audience.

Just as they are taking their step of faith, now we must do the same.  We are already working to move the church through the initial phase of this transitional time and I wanted to provide you with some details of what we are doing and will be doing in the days ahead.

Most immediately, we are working to fill the pulpit in the Sanctuary using several different speakers this spring.  We have been in contact with a number of excellent speakers, some familiar and some new, as well as speakers from around the country to come and challenge us.  Todd Still, a New Testament professor from Truett Seminary, will fill the pulpit on Sunday, February 22nd.  We already had special emphases planned on the Acts 1:8 initiative and on evangelism for later this spring and those plans remain unchanged. 

The scheduled speakers for the Sanctuary we have currently arranged are: Todd Still (February 22), Miller Cunningham (March 1), Pike Wisner (March 8), Paul Sands of Truett Seminary (March 15), David Garland, Dean of Truett Seminary and Interim President of Baylor University (March 22) and Ken Hall, President of Buckner (March 29).  Of course, Pike Wisner will continue to proclaim God’s word in the Great Hall as he does so effectively.

I have appointed a special Transition Committee to advise and assist with finding speakers for the Sanctuary and an interim preacher.  The committee consists of myself, John Gilley, Duke Presley, Deena Pryor, Page Strong and Nancy Young.  We are working directly with Miller Cunningham, our Senior Pastor-Leadership, on these matters. 

If you have questions about the transition, we have established a new page on the church’s website with information and also a way for you to submit questions and comments by e-mailing information@ pcbc.org.  I also welcome your comments or questions directly to me, especially by letter or e-mail as well, if you would prefer. 

The church’s constitution sets forth a process to follow to name a search committee to look for a new senior pastor.  As we move forward with that process, I will be providing you will further updates and details.   It is my prayer that we will have the search committee in place by late April or early May so that they can begin their work.  Please begin praying now for this process.   

Even though we have a transition before us, the Lord has provided for us to continue excellence in ministry, in the teaching of His word and in building His kingdom.  Miller Cunningham is a gifted leader and will continue to guide us in ministry and vision to build the Lord’s church.  The rest of our staff serves so faithfully and effectively to partner with us as we serve the Lord.  Please pray for all of our staff for their encouragement, strength, wisdom and protection as we work together in these days.

I know a transition can be uncertain and we all have many questions.  As we move forward with the Lord together, we know that He is faithful.  He has been faithful and has led us in the past.  And, the Lord, our Shepherd, will lead us through this time as well. 

In Christ,
David H. Harper
Chairman, Fellowship of Deacons