We sent this notice to the people of Good Shepherd yesterday:
After more than eight years
on our team, John Pavlovitz has accepted a position on
the pastoral staff at Journey Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Dear Good Shepherd Family,
I have a staff announcement for you today that defines the very term “bittersweet.”
After more than eight years on our team, John Pavlovitz has accepted a position on
the pastoral staff at Journey Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
From 2005 until this past summer, John inspired, pastored, and led our middle and high school students through the BigHouse ministry. Earlier this year he had transitioned into a new position here, the Pastor of Ministry Development, where he would share with the whole church the passion he had brought to our students.
Yet in recent months – and in particular in wake of the unexpected passing of his father – John realized that he could not escape his call to youth ministry. Journey approached him, alignment was apparent, and so John will begin ministry there in December. John, Jen, Noah, and Selah will relocate to Raleigh over the month or so.
Here are some words from John himself: “Though we are terrified and sad to leave, we have seen God provide so abundantly here in Charlotte, especially through you all; the most loving, generous, faithful, passionate people we have ever known. Inspired by you, we hope to build for students in Raleigh the kind of Grace-filled, bold, compassionate community you have helped create here.
To say we are eternally grateful for your love, support, and friendship is the understatement of all-time. It would take a lifetime to show our gratitude to you all, but over the coming weeks, we will try.”
I’m going to miss John’s creative mind, his spontaneous humor, and his consistent friendship. And oh-by-the-way,
his home run preaching.
his home run preaching.
You’ll have a chance to express your appreciation to John after each of the worship gatherings on November 24 and at a special Big House reception at 6:30 p.m. that same evening.