Call Update
Updated May 9, 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On Sunday, May 7th, I had the opportunity to announce that Pastor John Scott of Crosspoint Lutheran in Illinois has accepted our call as Senior Pastor of Our Savior's Way. As Pastor Scott begins to form his transition plan to OSWLC, we also will be planning for our transition. Pastor Tyson Labuhn will continue to serve here at OSWLC as Associate Pastor. Having two full-time pastors at Our Savior's Way is a reason to celebrate God's blessings on us.
As we move forward, events will be planned for Pastor Scott's installation. Pastors in our district will be invited to participate in the Rite of Installation, which will be held here at OSWLC. The date will be announced soon.
During this transition period, please keep Pastor Scott, his family, Crosspoint Lutheran Church, and our congregation in your prayers.
In Christ,
Pam Griffis
President, MMSLG
The Call Process
The call process is a deliberative journey following LCMS rules and guidelines set out in the OSWLC Constitution. Conducted prayerfully we trust in the Lord's guidance and follow a process of due diligence. Every call has its own dynamics but generally follows three stages. The expected times shown below are best faith estimates only, based on prior experience, and may change.
Stage 1 – Completed December 2022
The Southeastern district president has compiled a list of pastoral candidates for us to consider. As part of this process, he considered 22 pastors suggested by members of our church.
Stage 2 – Completed March 2023
The OSWLC Call Committee completed reviewing the list, preparing for, and conducting interviews. Final candidates were invited to meet church members in a series of town halls.
Stage 3 – Completed April 2023
The OSWLC Call Committee proposed to the MMSLG candidates to call as Senior Pastor. The MMSLG called a meeting for church members to vote, and the congregation voted to extend a call to Pastor John Scott of Crosspoint Lutheran Church in Illonois.
Weekly Prayer for the Call Committee
Writing to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul encouraged believers there to consider their own call. As we are in the call process, we may consider the call we all have from God by exploring a few of the following scriptures:
- Acts 2:39,
- Ephesians 4:4-6,
- Colossians 3:15,
- 1 Timothy 6:12,
- 1 Peter 39, and
- 1 John 3:1
Please Pray
Almighty God, giver of all good gifts: Look on your church with grace and guide the minds of the call committee as they review and recommend a senior pastor for this congregation, that we will receive a faithful servant who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Call Committee Members
Chairman: Jonathan Halls
Vice-Chair: Jim Collier
Members: Beth Anton, Stu Dunnett, Belinda Haagsma, Gwen Kennedy, Heather Novak, Kim Perdos, Syam Pilli, Laura Taylor