Terry Foss Is Coming

We're excited to announce that Terry Foss will be joining our staff as an associate worship pastor! Terry has been our #1 candidate since we did our nationwide search 8 months ago. Terry, his wife, and 2 children will be moving from NJ to MN the end of August.

The Foss' will also be with us for another visit in 2 weekends. We'll have a Q & A with Terry at our main services (he'll also sing a great Casting Crowns song at the end of the service). Ryan and the "worship gang" will also have a reception for the Foss' while they're in town.

This is good news. We look forward to the Foss' becoming part of our church community.

More Staff Transitions

Last night the Board of Elders agreed to hire James Racine to a 1-year interim position as Sr. High Pastor. James came in as the recommended candidate from the Search Team. James has grown up in our "system" and has our DNA all over him. He's been involved serving in the ministry and is the natural candidate to step in and fill James Brown's shoes.

Why a 1-year interim position? Because of James' inexperience and age. The 1-year period will be a time for James to be groomed and mentored by our staff. We fully anticipate that James will grow and shine and prove himself during this year.

We heard from many of our students saying, "You guys better hire James Racine!" After interviewing him, we agreed!

How does Crossroads hire staff? What's the process? I'll address that in my next blog.

More Transitions

If you received my last Cyber Update, you know that Adult Ministries Pastor Steve Bristol has made a decision to transition from Crossroads. Steve has sensed God's nudging to become a lead or senior pastor. Although we hate to see Steve leave, we know that God has something new in store for Steve. Steve's been with us 5 years. It's going to be hard to say goodbye.

Please pray for Steve and his family. As they look at all the options, pray that God would guide them to the exact right fit. We're all hoping that Steve can find something in our region so we can stay in contact with each other and mutually encourage each other.

This transition may take weeks or months. During this time Steve will continue to oversee adult education and work on several special projects at Crossroads.

That's enough for now...

Transitions

One of the keys to building an effective church is to get the right staff members "on the bus" and pointed in the right direction. As a church grows larger and larger, it's very common for staffers to switch seats or move into new seats. As of today, James Brown (Sr. High Pastor) is transitioning to a newly formed seat on the Crossroads bus--Groups Pastor.

As Groups Pastor, James will oversee what we believe to be the heart and soul of Crossroads (getting people into groups where connecting, serving, caring/praying, and learning is happening). James will cast vision, train leaders, and oversee numerous group launches over the year. He will also continue to be on our Teaching Team for weekends.

What about Sr. High? We have a team that's already been meeting and putting an interim plan together. Our goal is to announce an interim Sr. High Pastor yet this month!

Now you're "in the know."