From the Pastor’s Desk (237)
We have been looking for our new children’s pastor for a year. Many of us have been faithfully praying to God asking Him to show us who that person will be. In our attempt to find one, Leadership Team and I came up with children’s pastor’s ministry description, posted on several “Pastors Wanted” websites and made inquiries at different places that we thought might be able to give us a lead in this. We also set up a search committee consisted of Eugene Byon, Christine Jung, Jessica Castillo and Jasmine Lee who represent New Life Kids ministry very well so that they can interview the potential candidates and give us their input in order for us to make the best possible decision for our church. There were just two candidates in the past year who inquired about the position but I felt they were not the right ones. Therefore, interviews never happened.
I for one have been praying to God to send us someone who will be able to do these three things well in regards to our children’s ministry:
- Someone who can teach and preach God’s word very clearly to our children so that they will grow up in our NLK ministry knowing and loving God and His word
- Someone who can mobilize and train many volunteers so that they will serve and do ministry joyfully and effectively
- Someone who can shepherd and mentor the parents of our NLK children
In addition to these, I also wanted someone whom I will have an enjoyable time working with.
There was Life Coaching that took place in May and I sat in most of the sessions. During one of them, it became very clear to me that Mia Yoo should be our new children’s pastor. I treasured this thought in my heart for a couple of months and didn’t share it with anyone except with my wife.
In July, when Mia was going to CA for a leadership conference for a few days, I called her in to my office with her husband Joe and shared with them what I have been sensing God telling me in regards to Mia serving as our children’s pastor. They were both shocked and surprised because they thought I just asked them to come in to my office so that I can pray over them before she went to CA. During that meeting, I asked them to take a few weeks to pray about this and let me know what they sense God leading them to do. A few weeks later, Lynette and I had them over for dinner and they shared with us that Mia is open to serve as our children’s pastor because they sense God is leading her to the role.
I shared the news with Leadership Team on September 1st and all of them were very enthusiastic about the possibility of Mia serving as New Life’s children’s pastor. We, then, quickly came up with a plan. We had the search committee interview her on September 15th and prepare and give their report to Leadership Team. The interview, according to Eugene, the committee chair, and Daniel Lim who served as a liaison between the committee and Leadership Team, was exceptionally encouraging and the report given to Leadership Team was overwhelmingly positive. Leadership Team also had an interview with her yesterday and we strongly sensed God’s direction and guidance in all this.
Before Leadership Team and I make the final decision in regards to our children’s pastor, we would like to have Town Hall meeting where you can ask Mia any questions you may have. After that, we will make our final decision. Town Hall meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 7th during HOP. All are welcome!
Even though we have been without children’s pastor for a whole year, I believe that NLK ministry went very well because we have faithful and gifted servant-leaders like Eugene, Christine, Jasmine, Lang and many others. So, I praise and thank God for all the hardworking volunteers that have been very well trained to serve over the years here at New Life.
A couple of verses come to my mind as I reflect on this search process:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
God is good. He can be trusted with our life and everything in it.
Your pastor,
Eric
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