February 2026 - Volume 58 - Number 2
What’s going on behind the scenes?
Last June, Brandon informed the church Board of his intention to resign at the end of June 2026. He has some other interests he wants to pursue that will not fit into his schedule if he continues with his position at FCCCP.
The Elders have met to discuss what to do to replace Brandon. They soon realized that we will not be able to replace everything Brandon does for the salary we pay him. So, the conversation focused on what we could or should do.
As ideas were tossed back and forth, I suggested that maybe what the Elders need to consider as a possibility is to replace both Brandon and me with one person. After all, I am 76 years old and don’t know how much longer I will be able to continue as minister. If we replace Brandon with a part-time person, and then within a short time need to replace me, the options available to the church will be more limited. If it is possible to find one person who can absorb a reasonable amount of work done by Brandon and me, that might be the better way to go.
Nothing has been decided, but several options are being investigated. During this process, I have informed the Elders that if they decide the best option is to pursue one person, I totally support that decision. Jan and I understand we are in the twilight (if we have not already passed it) of our careers and do not want to stand in the way of the best direction for the church.
Now please understand, the Elders have not yet made a decision, but they will. I have not yet resigned or retired, but some day I will. If you hear that the Elders are looking for a person to replace Rick and Brandon, it may be true. And what is also true, is this direction was my suggestion and is done with my blessings and encouragement.
Please be in prayer for the Elders and the Board as they seek to discern God’s will in this and what will be in the best interests of the church for the future. Once a direction is determined, others in the congregation will need to be involved in the process. But all of us can pray that God will direct the Elders and the Board to follow the best path that will lead to the person and position needed to lead this congregation into the future.
Thanks for reading,
Rick
Last June, Brandon informed the church Board of his intention to resign at the end of June 2026. He has some other interests he wants to pursue that will not fit into his schedule if he continues with his position at FCCCP.
The Elders have met to discuss what to do to replace Brandon. They soon realized that we will not be able to replace everything Brandon does for the salary we pay him. So, the conversation focused on what we could or should do.
As ideas were tossed back and forth, I suggested that maybe what the Elders need to consider as a possibility is to replace both Brandon and me with one person. After all, I am 76 years old and don’t know how much longer I will be able to continue as minister. If we replace Brandon with a part-time person, and then within a short time need to replace me, the options available to the church will be more limited. If it is possible to find one person who can absorb a reasonable amount of work done by Brandon and me, that might be the better way to go.
Nothing has been decided, but several options are being investigated. During this process, I have informed the Elders that if they decide the best option is to pursue one person, I totally support that decision. Jan and I understand we are in the twilight (if we have not already passed it) of our careers and do not want to stand in the way of the best direction for the church.
Now please understand, the Elders have not yet made a decision, but they will. I have not yet resigned or retired, but some day I will. If you hear that the Elders are looking for a person to replace Rick and Brandon, it may be true. And what is also true, is this direction was my suggestion and is done with my blessings and encouragement.
Please be in prayer for the Elders and the Board as they seek to discern God’s will in this and what will be in the best interests of the church for the future. Once a direction is determined, others in the congregation will need to be involved in the process. But all of us can pray that God will direct the Elders and the Board to follow the best path that will lead to the person and position needed to lead this congregation into the future.
Thanks for reading,
Rick
