September 2026 Newsletter
Transitional Interim Ministry
Transitional interim ministry is a season in the life of the church whereby the church has the opportunity to grow in faith, clarify your mission and purpose, and strengthen the ministries of the church as you seek a new pastor.
Inherent in the word transition is change. Change can be frightening. Often our first reaction to change is to oppose it. Indeed, we are creatures of habit and like to be in our comfort zone. I like to sit in MY chair, MY place at the table, MY parking place in the church parking lot, MY chair in the worship area, etc. The routines of life give order and stability, but you can move quickly from a routine to a rut and be stuck in a rut doing the same old, same old without ever evaluating its worth or value.
Inherent in the word transition is change. Change can be frightening. Often our first reaction to change is to oppose it. Indeed, we are creatures of habit and like to be in our comfort zone. I like to sit in MY chair, MY place at the table, MY parking place in the church parking lot, MY chair in the worship area, etc. The routines of life give order and stability, but you can move quickly from a routine to a rut and be stuck in a rut doing the same old, same old without ever evaluating its worth or value.
My two-year-old granddaughter recently climbed into a basket in her house and could not get out, so she began to cry out to her dad, “Help! I’m stuck. I’m stuck. I’m stuck. “Until you realize you are stuck. You won’t call out for help to be set free.
Transitional interim ministry is a time to evaluate and ask, “Are we stuck in the ways and habits in the life of the church that have dimmed our vision and limited our effectiveness for the kingdom of God?”
It is also the time to reaffirm the good things that are part of the church family that have made it a welcoming and winsome place of fellowship, ministry, and service.
When the former pastor concluded his ministry, the ministry of the church did not cease. It merely entered into a time of transition. It is my privilege now to serve as your transitional interim Pastor as we go on this journey together through this season of change. A typical transitional period of ministry can be 18 months to two years. It will be my joy to serve as your guide and resource on the journey as we work and pray together in reviewing our heritage, our mission, our leadership, our ministry partners, and look forward to the future when a new pastor is called and a new season of ministry begins.My wife, Linda, and I are enjoying meeting you and sharing in the ministry of BHC during this season of transition. We are excited about what God has in store for BHC in the days ahead. God speaking through the Prophet Jeremiah said: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (29:11).
Pastor Robert Jackson
Student News
September always feels like a fresh start. School is back in full swing, schedules are filling up, sports and activities are underway, and everyone is settling into a new rhythm. In the middle of all of that, our desire for students is simple: that following Jesus wouldn’t become just one more thing on the schedule, but the foundation for everything else. This month, we’re challenging our students to take ownership of their faith: to grow personally, encourage one another, and live in a way that points the people around them toward Jesus.
On Sunday mornings, we’re continuing our series through the book of James called Genuine. Our theme throughout this series has been: “What we do reveals what we believe.” James challenges us to move beyond simply knowing the right answers. Genuine faith shows up in how we handle pressure, how we treat people, the words we use, the decisions we make, and the way we live every day. Our hope is that students begin asking a simple question: If I genuinely believe what I say I believe about Jesus, how should that change the way I live?
Beginning September 1, we’re launching Basecamp: Preparing for the Climb, a 90-day devotional journey designed specifically for our students. Just as all climbers need a basecamp- somewhere to rest, to recenter, to prepare, and to acquire everything needed to keep climbing. The same is true for following Jesus. For 90 days, we’ll be challenging our students to take roughly five minutes each day to pause, open up the Scriptures, and lay the groundwork necessary to walk after Jesus their entire lives. They’ll consider foundational issues of their faith, including salvation, worship, obedience, spiritual growth, decisions, relationships, stewardship, ministry, and mission. It’s not meant to be a book club or a 90-point checklist. Rather, it’s meant to establish a rhythm: Stop. Get in the Word. Listen to God. Prepare to climb.
Lastly, one of the things we’ve been talking about with our students is the kind of student ministry they want to help build. They have set some exciting goals for this year:
Pastor Evan
On Sunday mornings, we’re continuing our series through the book of James called Genuine. Our theme throughout this series has been: “What we do reveals what we believe.” James challenges us to move beyond simply knowing the right answers. Genuine faith shows up in how we handle pressure, how we treat people, the words we use, the decisions we make, and the way we live every day. Our hope is that students begin asking a simple question: If I genuinely believe what I say I believe about Jesus, how should that change the way I live?
Beginning September 1, we’re launching Basecamp: Preparing for the Climb, a 90-day devotional journey designed specifically for our students. Just as all climbers need a basecamp- somewhere to rest, to recenter, to prepare, and to acquire everything needed to keep climbing. The same is true for following Jesus. For 90 days, we’ll be challenging our students to take roughly five minutes each day to pause, open up the Scriptures, and lay the groundwork necessary to walk after Jesus their entire lives. They’ll consider foundational issues of their faith, including salvation, worship, obedience, spiritual growth, decisions, relationships, stewardship, ministry, and mission. It’s not meant to be a book club or a 90-point checklist. Rather, it’s meant to establish a rhythm: Stop. Get in the Word. Listen to God. Prepare to climb.
Lastly, one of the things we’ve been talking about with our students is the kind of student ministry they want to help build. They have set some exciting goals for this year:
- Be courageous and bold in their faith and put that faith on display at school.
- Grow together spiritually by encouraging one another, checking on each other, and strengthening their own foundations.
- Reach other students by inviting friends, sharing what God is doing, and finding ways to serve and connect with students throughout our community.
- Take ownership of the ministry by looking for ways to serve, lead, encourage, and make The Refuge a place where other students can encounter Jesus.
Pastor Evan
Recent
Archive
2026
August
September
Categories
no categories
No Comments