Have you considered how long the average pastor serves a local congregation? According to Bill Day of New Orleans Baptist Seminary, the average length of stay of a protestant pastor is about 5 years. Lifeway’s Tom Rainer suggests the average is more like three to four years. It’s no secret, but healthy vibrant churches require long term pastoral leadership. Have you thought about how long Pastor David King has been Concord’s senior pastor?

On Sunday, July 17, Pastor David will celebrate 15 years as Concord’s senior pastor.

I encourage you to mark your calendar for this very special day! During our morning worship service, we will give thanks to our Lord for this 15-year milestone anniversary. A guest pastor will preach the Word, and some of David’s close pastor friends will participate in the service. At the conclusion of the service, the Personnel Committee will present David and Natalie with a financial gift as well as two weeks additional time off for this calendar year. I hope you will plan to be present for this special worship service and celebration.
 
That same Sunday afternoon, July 17, we are planning a drop-by reception from 3:00-6:00 pm in the Concord Gym. I encourage you to begin thinking about writing a note or letter of encouragement to both David and Natalie about specific ways the LORD has used them to stir up faith, love, and hope in your lives. Giving them these notes of encouragement at the reception will be a special blessing for them. We are very excited about this opportunity to give thanks to our God for his exceptional blessing and gift to our Church body.

In Christ,

Pastor David Johnson
Personnel Committee