The Pastor's Desk Image
From the Pastor’s Desk
 
“When Everything Changes: Trusting God in the Shift”
 
Dear Beloved Church Family,
 
Change. It’s a word that stirs up all kinds of emotions. And right now, as we prepare to welcome a new pastor, many of us are feeling the weight of that word.  
 
Some of you are wondering, “What will happen now?”  Others are thinking, “It won’t be the same.”
 Let me say this first: those feelings are real, and they are valid. When someone we’ve grown to love, trust, and serve alongside moves on, it leaves a space that isn’t easy to fill.  
But I want to offer you a word of hope today.  
We serve a God who is not caught off guard by change.  In fact, Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us:
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
 
This is a new season—not an ending, but a beginning. And while things may look different, God remains the same.
Remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7:  “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
 
The Church does not rise and fall on the presence of a single pastor. It flourishes through the power of the Living God, who continues to grow us, stretch us, and use us—even through transitions.
 
Yes, pastors may come and go, but Jesus? Jesus never leaves. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
And here’s what Jesus said to His disciples in Mark 8:34:
“If any want to become my followers,
let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
 
It’s a beautiful reminder that following Jesus isn’t about staying comfortable—it’s about being transformed. It means trusting Him enough to walk forward, even when we don’t know exactly what’s ahead.
 
Now I want you to imagine what could happen if you stay and embrace this new season with open hearts:
* You become a bridge—carrying the strength and wisdom of the past while guiding others into what God is doing next.
* You become a light for those who are unsure—showing them that stability in Christ is possible, even in change.
* You become a blessing—a living testimony that faithfulness matters, and that God's love continues to move through each one of us.
 
When you stay, you are saying to God:
* “I’m still here. I still believe. I still want to be part of what You are doing.”
 
And oh, what beautiful things God can do through people who remain rooted in Him!
 
So let me encourage you—don’t let this moment cause you to step back. Let it draw you closer.
Don’t let transition make you fearful. Let it grow your faith.
 
And don’t forget—the church still needs you. Your presence, your prayers, your passion, your gifts—they are more vital now than ever.
This is not the end of the story.
This is the next chapter—and with God holding the pen, we know it will be good.
 
With joyful expectation and deep love,
Pastor Cindy Banks