03/22/2026
Dear Church family,
Katrina and I have had the great honor of serving you over this past year as your pastor and pastor’s wife.
From the beginning of our tenure some of our church members have come to us and expressed their confusion with the process that brought us to you.
When pastor Adrian invited Katrina and I to come, I was introduced to you as a “guest speaker” but to the voting members I was a potential pastoral candidate. Members were unaware that you were casting your vote for your next pastor, and nonmembers thought they were listening to a guest speaker. Needless to say this started us out on a very awkward beginning together.
This is not how transitions within the Assemblies of God typically take place.
Let’s talk about the normal pastoral transition process. When a current pastor makes a prayerful decision to resign or retire, they notify their district office, then their board, and then an announcement is made to the whole church body. The Assemblies of God district office (Oregon Ministry Network) first establishes regular communication with the church board to assist them in the transition process and second, the Oregon Ministry Network (AG district office) recommends that an interim comes and services the church during its time of transition.
What is an interim Pastor? And what is their purpose?
An interim pastor is a credentialled minister within the Assemblies of God (often a retired minister) who is generally asked to come and serve a church navigating pastoral transitions. Their purpose is to assist the board and the church body by conducting board meetings and regular church services during their time of transition. Interim pastors are also tasked with preparing the whole church for a season of change. A new pastor brings new leadership style, and eventually new vision, change and culture.
It is said that statistically, Churches where there is a long tenured pastor. When that pastor retires or resigns and an interim pastor is not put in place to help prepare the church for a new long-term pastor, the next pastor becomes the interim. This statistic has become my reality.
After much prayer, reflection, and seeking wise counsel, I believe it is time for me to step down as Lead Pastor of Calvary Assembly of God, effective Sunday April 26, 2026.
This decision has not been made lightly. I recognize that our church family has been walking through a season of great hurt, difficulty and shrinking attendance. I have prayerfully sought the Lord on what to do. I believe that stepping aside will allow space for new leadership to guide the church into a renewed season of unity and growth.
I want to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve you. Even in challenging times, God is still in control and that must NEVER change. My prayer is that the Lord will continue to bless and guide Calvary Assembly of God as you seek His will together.
I will do all I can during this transition to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and to support the leadership team in preparing for the next chapter.
With love in Christ,
Pastor Mike West
