Below are two letters, one from Jake Clemens, our Assistant Pastor and current teaching pastor; and the other from Sam McCallum on behalf of the Elders. These letters were read by Jake and Sam during the Sunday, January 24th service. You can watch their announcements by clicking the button below.
Letter from Jake
About a year and a half ago, the Lord started preparing my heart for what could be a future change in ministry. That work came in the format of being approached by a church about the potential of coming as their lead pastor. They ultimately decided to go in a different direction but the dialogue I had with them prepared me for the reality that the Lord may end up calling me to a ministry other than Crestwicke Baptist Church.
About a year ago I was approached by second another church for the same reason. They wanted to open a dialogue about the potential of me coming to serve as the lead pastor of their church. After a few months of conversation, they decided to pursue another candidate. Steve at that time had just announced he was leaving Crestwicke which opened different doors for me in ministry. The Crestwicke board graciously put their confidence in me to take over the majority of the preaching (something for which I will always be grateful). I was happy and excited to take on these new responsibilities and really felt the Lord growing in me some of my gifts and abilities in that area.
Then this second church called me back. A few months ago they called and said they wanted to pick up the conversation with me because it did not work out with their other candidate. As a look back I see a clear evidence of the Lord’s timing in all these things and how he prepares his people for the work he has for them. Two weeks ago I preached at the church and as of this past week I have accepted the lead pastor position at Richmond Hill Baptist Church.
Candys and I are very excited about these new ministry opportunities. We are excited to be going to where we see the Lord leading us. But that does not mean we are excited to leave. We are excited to go but we are sad to leave. You have been the only church family we’ve known as a married couple. You have been the only family our kids have ever known. You have been so kind, gracious, and loving to me and my family and you will all be missed very much. By God’s grace you have been used mightily in my family’s life and I know that you will continue to be a godly influence in this community moving forward.
We do not go because the grass is greener in Richmond Hill (as if there were fences in God’s kingdom). We go merely to serve in a different part of the field (the same is true of whoever the Lord has for this place).
I want to thank the Elders and Deacons, as well as the church as a whole for their love and support towards my family and I over the past six and half years. We love you all very much.
Jake Clemens
Letter from Sam, on behalf of the Elders
To Jake, Candys, Emilia, and Naomi,
It is with mixed emotion that we process the news of your resignation this morning. We recognize the sovereign work of God in the decision you have made. This decision has been bathed with prayer and Godly counsel. You came to Crestwicke as a young couple, you leave as a young family.
God has used you in ministry in our midst, not the least in the last five months as you have faithfully declared the Word of the Lord. Crestwicke has been used by the Lord in maturing you as a Pastor, we now send you out to serve Him at Richmond Hill Baptist Church.
I conclude these brief comments to you, Jake, personally in the words of the Apostle Paul:
“…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
To the members and congregation of Crestwicke:
Let me assure you that God is still on His Throne. The Elders have invited Dr. Stan Fowler to serve the Lord here as an Interim Preaching Pastor as of April 4, 2021. Dr. Fowler is no stranger to Crestwicke, and will, by God’s help, provide a consistent, expositional, relevant ministry of the Word.
The Elders and Deacons stand ready to serve you in what way you need during this season as the Search Committee continue to pursue the person God has for this church. Please be in prayer for your servant leaders during this time of transition.
I would ask us to pray for Jake, Candys, and the girls, in this exciting journey the Lord has in store for them:
Father, the Great Shepherd of the church, we cast ourselves on You during this time.
We thank You for Jake, we ask that he will be a powerful weapon in Your hands as he wields the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
By the Spirit of God, give him the wisdom, understanding, patience, and perseverance as he moves into this new phase of ministry.
May he, Candys, Emilia, and Naomi know Your grace during this time of transition. We pray this in the strong name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.
Sam McCallum
On behalf of the Elders