10/18/2021
Pastor Jared Announces Resignation!
Dear River Family,
In 2010 after getting married Mandy and I began our journey and transition from being youth pastors to Senior Pastors here at The River. Just as quickly and unexpectedly as our assignment began our assignment here at The River is coming to an end. We are not called away from Norco, we aren’t going anywhere, but we are certain that our role as pastors here has come to an end. We can’t quite put our finger on one reason, but we know there are several reasons.
First let us reiterate, this was not an easy decision. I have been open with church council, and close friends for some time. Knowing that the pace in which I was running was not sustainable. In fact, I believe maybe I have held on too tightly for too long. When OI took the platform to preach on Oct 3rd I felt in my heart that I was done. Then Tuesday Oct 5th I told Mandy I think this is it. “I’m done”, I could see the relief in her eyes. The next day after not getting much sleep I got in the car to drive the kids to school, they asked “Dad, what are you doing?” I said, “I’m taking you to school, silly gooses” They cheered! I knew in that moment I had made the right decision. I need to step aside and allow the person God is calling to lead take their place here at The River.
Like many people the last year and half has been challenging for our family. We are working through several things, and I believe God is calling me to lead my family. For the last few years, I have struggled to lead my family, and lead this church. My wife, my kids, my business, and this church all deserve better. Our children are at a unique window of their lives, and I want to capitalize on the next ten years of their lives.
Mandy and I agree that it feels uncomfortable to step away from a pastoring position without walking into another position, that in our heads is what normally happens for pastors. What we do realize is that we have space to dream, and the Lord has even started stirring things inside of us. We are not sure if God will call us to pastor a church in the future, but we are open to whatever God has instore of us. We will take some time to slow down, be with family more and further the business God has given us.
We absolutely love what we are doing right now and we feel like this business is to be our ministry for this season. We also love all of you, and that has made this a challenging decision, we have loved our assignment and journey pastoring all of you. We have talked to family, friends and those who are journeying close to our family, and they are all in agreement that this a good decision and for the betterment of everyone.
This may come to as a shock to some, it may not. What you need to know is, I am not abandoning you. I haven’t done anything wrong; I love my wife, family, and Jesus. I will walk this process out with the church council, the staff, my overseers, my Area Pastor, and Associate Supervisor Mark in whatever capacity is needed to make sure that the transition is smooth and yet swift. Our family will need time to grieve and heal from things. The River Church has a strong foundation and will continue to grow under new leadership. The closure and transition during Covid-19 has put The River Church in a position where it is ripe for new leadership and new direction. I realized this was never my church, it was never Mandy’s church, it’s always been and continues to be Jesus’ church. Part of me wants to just hold on and not obey. *That would be selfish, prideful, and disobedient.
I’ve talked with Mandy, our parents, close friends, key leaders here, Dean, Pastor Mary. Explaining in detail all that Gods been doing over the last 1.5-2 years, each time I expected someone to tell me I was crazy, that I am wrong and encourage me not to do it. That hasn’t happened. Everyone has been encouraging. I don’t like letting people down, I am not a quitter, and for a while in my head I felt like it was quitting. I’m not quitting, I am transitioning.
A few things you can pray for us.
First that we’re not scared. This church is all I’ve known since 2003, pastoring is all Mandy has done since graduating from college.
The plan is this, Today is October 17th, and this announcement was made to the church. I will be one of a few teachers over the next few weeks as we prepare to transition to the next leader. During the next few weeks, we will announce the new pastor and lay hands on them an appoint them. We will celebrate on November 21st at special “farewell” service. I’d love all of you to attend on that day if you’re in town. That will be our final Sunday. We will make ourselves available as we are needed to ensure a smooth transition, and I am confident it will be.
Love,
Pastor Jared & Mandy
