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In our first transition communication, we discussed the Pastoral Leadership Transition Steps outlined by the ELCA Grand Canyon Synod. This Communication is focused on what has been accomplished to date and where we are headed in the immediate future.
Step 1 – Your Pastor Resigns or Retires. This step has been completed. Within this step we received the resignation from Pastor Tim, notified the Bishop of our Synod, met with the Assistant to the Bishop to discuss the interim ministry during pastoral vacancy and the call process, and conducted an exit interview with Pastor Tim. The input from the exit interview will be very helpful to the Call Committee as they formulate the needs of the congregation and the profile for a new Senior Pastor. In addition, Pastor Marcia has done an excellent job of mobilizing the staff and volunteers within the congregation to provide continuous support and make sure the pulpit is full every Sunday.
Step 2 – Interim Ministry Begins. Tasks Completed - Since our last communication, the Bishop nominated a pastor to serve as our Interim Pastor. The Council met with the candidate on July 24. We were very impressed with his resume, experience and enthusiastic approach to Interim Ministry. After our interview and Council discussion, we unanimously ratified the Bishop’s recommendation. On July 26, Ken Walker made an offer and signed a contract with Brian Erickson to become our Interim Senior Pastor. Pastor Brian notified his congregation of his resignation as Senior Pastor at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Phoenix on August 1. He will join Living Water on September 4. On the following page is a summary of his biography and his first letter to our congregation.
Upcoming Tasks – Once we welcome Pastor Brian into our midst, he will lead us through the five developmental tasks of the interim time in ministry. The five tasks include:
- Coming to Terms with History
- Clarifying Your Identity
- Leadership and Decision Making Concerns
- Denominational Relationships
- Commitment to New Directions and Leadership in Ministry
More information on each of these tasks will be provided to the congregation as it is clarified and we as a church begin the process. Much input from the congregation will be needed as we proceed.
What can you do to help between now and Pastor Brian’s arrival?
- Pastor Marcia delivered an excellent and inspirational sermon on Sunday, July 27. If you missed her message, go to www.lwlcaz.org and click on “Weekly Sermon Audio” on the right hand side of the home page.
- Call any of the Church Council members if you have suggestions, questions or concerns.
- Check our web site for additional updates on our transition process. In addition, the Selbo Family Farewell photos can be viewed in the Photo Gallery. The web site is www.lwlcaz.org.
- Continue to pray for the strong future of our church, for the leadership and guidance of Pastor Marcia and for Pastor Brian as he prepares to leave his congregation and join us for what promises to be an exciting journey!
Your Partners in Faith,
The Church Council
Pastor Brian L. Erickson
Summary Biography
Education since High School:
Concordia College, Moorhead, MN B.A. Religion; Philosophy 1972
Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago 1972-1973
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN Master of Divinity 1977
MN Consortium of Theological Schools Doctor of Ministry 1989
(Degree through Luther Seminary, St. Paul)
Vocational History:
Youth Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND
Associate Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Hemet, CA
Acting Associate Director of Contextual Education, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN (Sabbatical Replacement)
Instructor, Augsburg college, Minneapolis, MN (Directing a Program in Mexico and Pastor, Peace Lutheran in Denseith, ND and St. Paul’s Ojibwa, Belcourt, ND – Each of these positions was part-time)
Co-Pastor, Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND
Senior Pastor, Peace Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND
Senior Pastor, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Phoenix
Language Proficiencies (written and spoken): English and Spanish
A LETTER FROM PASTOR BRIAN:
Dear Members of Living Water Lutheran Church,
 I look forward very much to meeting you on September 7, and joining with you in ministry. There are many challenging aspects to the transition between pastors, and I look forward to walking with you through those challenges as you seek your next Senior Pastor. It is difficult to lose a fine pastor like Pastor Tim and his family. During the next several months we will work together to adjust to this transition and to get ready for what God has in store for you in the next chapter of your journey as a congregation.
You have fine Council leadership, the pastoral presence and experience of Pastor Marcia, many talented lay staff, and wonderful gifts among your lay members. And you and I have a God who gives us Living Water every day of our lives to sustain and nourish us.
God's blessings until we meet in person,
Pastor Brian Erickson
Photof of Pastory Brian and his son Brian inserted by webmaster.
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