COMPositions 37
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
It has been an incredible experience! Who could have guessed or imagined what the Lord had in store for us over these last eleven months? Kathy and I arrived in Meridian, MS on September 3, 2020, to initiate an Interim Ministry with the NorthPark Church of God. We were very excited and a little nervous, but God quickly calmed our nerves and has far exceeded our expectations. You welcomed us with open arms and have supported our ministry in every way. Kathy and I have enjoyed our time with you and cherish the many friendships God has gifted to us. I want to take this opportunity to publicly express my sincere appreciation to the various leadership teams I have been privileged to serve with.
The Staff: Dan Petersen / Justin Keene / Amy Youngblood / Jordan West / Susie Box
Their immediate acceptance and full support of me was invaluable to any success I have had! I wasn’t just their “boss”, they allowed me to be their friend. We laughed together often, we ate together regularly, we prayed together weekly, and we served as a team. Each of them championed me among their family, friends, and peers, elevating my level of influence across generations. It was a joy and blessing to serve with them and I will miss our daily interactions! And I am confident they will do the same with and for Pastor Jim! NorthPark is blessed to have such a caring and talented staff.
Governance Board: Kelly Menard, Chair / Charles Stewart, Vice Chair / Terrie Carlisle, Secretary / Lillie Cooks / Rob McArthur / Ron Reid / Nedra Bradley (Dwayne Joyner & Marilyn Cole rotated off in February)
This group of leaders was a unique blend of generations, gender, race, and background who graciously provided me with background, context, and insight which I did not have and desperately needed. Though I have many years of experience in ministry, this was my first experience in the south. Their honesty and candidness in our many discussions were always expressed with sincerity and patience. They never kept secrets from me, and they never violated any confidences. And I am confident they will do the same with and for Pastor Jim! Indeed, NorthPark is blessed to have such a diverse and united Board.
Search Team: Kay Stewart, Chair / Tyler Hughes / Donna Wheatley / Todd Mathis / Dwight Watts / Brad Anthony / Jonathan Sisson
The Search Team was formed before I arrived and began meeting immediately for weekly Scripture reading and prayer. Upon my arrival they invited me to join their team which I was honored to do. God used these weekly gatherings to solidify the team and unify the search as we developed a Pastor Profile, Church Profile, and Community Profile. Those months of prayer and preparation were providential and richly rewarded as God orchestrated the events leading to Pastor Jim’s candidacy and call. NorthPark is blessed to have had such a wise and discerning team.
Transition Team: Kelly Menard / Justin Keene / Kay Stewart / C. D. Smith / Nedra Bradley / Virgil Cole / Linda Weir / Adam Vance / Dewayne Joyner
This team was initiated by me to craft a workable action plan to address the 4 minimum factors identified in the Assessment Report we received from New Church Specialties last fall which included FIRST IMPRESSIONS, ASSIMILATION, HOLISTIC SMALL GROUPS, and COMMUNITY OUTREACH. This team formed and led 4 separate task force groups to develop strategies and process to enhance each of these areas of concern. A Master Action Plan was compiled which is being partially implemented and will provide a valuable starting point for Pastor Jim. NorthPark is blessed to have had such a creative and visionary team.
Prayer Team: Dwight Watts / Mary Bond / Dewayne McCallister / Tina Cumberland / Lillie Cooks / Donna Wheatley / Kathy Comp / Charles Stewart / Brad Anthony / Tyler Hughes / Virgil Cole / Gerri Lynn Croley
The Prayer Team was formed by me to undergird this season of reflection, transition, and growth by praying for clear direction, specific challenges, and unified advancement. Each week I would send out an email with some specific bullet points to focus our prayers. Several selected a specific day of the week on which they would fast & pray. Most every Thursday we would have a Zoom prayer call with those who were available. Indeed, NorthPark was blessed to have such a group of dedicated prayer warriors.
It has been a privilege to serve with these leaders. And I have been richly blessed by your faith and friendship. Thank you for your acceptance and support!
I am genuinely excited about the next chapter of NorthPark Church as Pastor Jim Freitag and his family begin their ministry among you! I am convinced he is exactly what NorthPark needs, wants, and deserves. Indeed, NorthPark has a great legacy! But I am confident the best is yet to come!
For His Glory, Pastor Greg
The Staff: Dan Petersen / Justin Keene / Amy Youngblood / Jordan West / Susie Box
Their immediate acceptance and full support of me was invaluable to any success I have had! I wasn’t just their “boss”, they allowed me to be their friend. We laughed together often, we ate together regularly, we prayed together weekly, and we served as a team. Each of them championed me among their family, friends, and peers, elevating my level of influence across generations. It was a joy and blessing to serve with them and I will miss our daily interactions! And I am confident they will do the same with and for Pastor Jim! NorthPark is blessed to have such a caring and talented staff.
Governance Board: Kelly Menard, Chair / Charles Stewart, Vice Chair / Terrie Carlisle, Secretary / Lillie Cooks / Rob McArthur / Ron Reid / Nedra Bradley (Dwayne Joyner & Marilyn Cole rotated off in February)
This group of leaders was a unique blend of generations, gender, race, and background who graciously provided me with background, context, and insight which I did not have and desperately needed. Though I have many years of experience in ministry, this was my first experience in the south. Their honesty and candidness in our many discussions were always expressed with sincerity and patience. They never kept secrets from me, and they never violated any confidences. And I am confident they will do the same with and for Pastor Jim! Indeed, NorthPark is blessed to have such a diverse and united Board.
Search Team: Kay Stewart, Chair / Tyler Hughes / Donna Wheatley / Todd Mathis / Dwight Watts / Brad Anthony / Jonathan Sisson
The Search Team was formed before I arrived and began meeting immediately for weekly Scripture reading and prayer. Upon my arrival they invited me to join their team which I was honored to do. God used these weekly gatherings to solidify the team and unify the search as we developed a Pastor Profile, Church Profile, and Community Profile. Those months of prayer and preparation were providential and richly rewarded as God orchestrated the events leading to Pastor Jim’s candidacy and call. NorthPark is blessed to have had such a wise and discerning team.
Transition Team: Kelly Menard / Justin Keene / Kay Stewart / C. D. Smith / Nedra Bradley / Virgil Cole / Linda Weir / Adam Vance / Dewayne Joyner
This team was initiated by me to craft a workable action plan to address the 4 minimum factors identified in the Assessment Report we received from New Church Specialties last fall which included FIRST IMPRESSIONS, ASSIMILATION, HOLISTIC SMALL GROUPS, and COMMUNITY OUTREACH. This team formed and led 4 separate task force groups to develop strategies and process to enhance each of these areas of concern. A Master Action Plan was compiled which is being partially implemented and will provide a valuable starting point for Pastor Jim. NorthPark is blessed to have had such a creative and visionary team.
Prayer Team: Dwight Watts / Mary Bond / Dewayne McCallister / Tina Cumberland / Lillie Cooks / Donna Wheatley / Kathy Comp / Charles Stewart / Brad Anthony / Tyler Hughes / Virgil Cole / Gerri Lynn Croley
The Prayer Team was formed by me to undergird this season of reflection, transition, and growth by praying for clear direction, specific challenges, and unified advancement. Each week I would send out an email with some specific bullet points to focus our prayers. Several selected a specific day of the week on which they would fast & pray. Most every Thursday we would have a Zoom prayer call with those who were available. Indeed, NorthPark was blessed to have such a group of dedicated prayer warriors.
It has been a privilege to serve with these leaders. And I have been richly blessed by your faith and friendship. Thank you for your acceptance and support!
I am genuinely excited about the next chapter of NorthPark Church as Pastor Jim Freitag and his family begin their ministry among you! I am convinced he is exactly what NorthPark needs, wants, and deserves. Indeed, NorthPark has a great legacy! But I am confident the best is yet to come!
For His Glory, Pastor Greg
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