September 20, 2010
Dear Wawasee Bible Family,
It is with pleasure that we write this letter to announce our Senior Pastor recommendation from the Search Committee and the Leadership Board.
First, let us give a synopsis of the process used to come to this determination.
- The search process started with the selection of a committee lead by Mike Marshall as chairman and had its first meeting in December, 2009.
- Starting in January the Search Committee met regularly and spent the first few months studying the congregation and our needs. lt was determined that a congregational survey would be beneficial in leading the committee. Through much discussion, prayer and help from the congregational survey the committee determined what we needed to look for in our Pastor.
- At this point a job description and application was developed and written and in June of 2010 a vacancy notice for a Senior Pastor position was sent to many Seminaries and Bible Universities/Colleges, as well as being posted on our web site.
- Over the next several weeks we received l40+ resumes and after careful review, deliberation and prayer we selected 6 candidates for additional review. We requested a detailed application form be filled out, as well as recorded messages.
- Following a thorough review of the applications and audio messages, we moved on to three candidates, which we then interviewed in late July and early August. Chuck Warren, EFCA District Director, was asked to join us for a final review and discussion.
- Following a week of prayer and fasting, the Search Committee recommended the calling of Josh Weiland to the position of Senior Pastor.
Further to this, the Leadership Board extended their full support to the call.
We are extremely thankful for God’s grace and leading through the entire process.
What happens from here?
- Josh will preach 9/26 and 10/3.
- “Coffee with Josh” will be a casual time to get to know Josh a little more and ask some questions. We will have two such opportunities. Tuesday, 9/28 and Thursday, 9/30. Both evenings will begin at 7:30 in the Fellowship Hall.
- The Sunday School Hour on Sunday, 10/3 will also be used as a time for questions and answers with Josh. This session will be a little more formal and we request that you submit your questions in writing to the office prior to 10/1.
- Following the conclusion of the Sunday Worship Service on 10/3, we will ask for a Congregational vote to extend the call. Voting criteria will be as defined in the Bylaws, all members (define as we did for EFCA vote) 16 years of age and older will vote.
As we continue to look to our Lord for guidance, we look forward to your prayerful deliberation and support as we move forward through this very important step in the life of WCBC.
ln His Service,
The Elders, Deacons, and Search Committee
To download a printable form to submit a question before the October 3 Sunday School Open Forum, click below: