Moving Forward Together: Candidate Weekend at Westbrook

In January, I announced that I was going to retire at the end of this calendar year.  It was a difficult decision but a decision I was sure God was leading me to. As I have gone through this year, it has remained a difficult decision, as I realize I will be saying goodbye to a community and people that I love and to a job that has been a joy to do. Thank you for all the kind things you have said to Julie and me over the course of this year. But with all those emotions, God has confirmed in so many ways that I’m doing what He wants, and we are squarely in His will. Jesus has assured me that He is the head of this church, and He will take care of Westbrook fine without me!  

Part of Jesus’ provision is Kevin Klingbiel, the candidate for Lead Pastor. He was selected by the Search Team, affirmed by the Leadership Board, and this week he comes for you to meet him.  He will do two identical Question and Answer sessions this week. On Thursday night from 6:30-8 p.m. and then again on Saturday Morning 9-10:30 a.m. Kevin will tell you his background, his call to ministry, introduce his family, and take questions at these meetings. If you want to read more about his background or check out a sermon, click here.

Then on Sunday morning, he will preach in both services. After the second service, we will do a Congregational Meeting where the membership will vote on him becoming the next Lead Pastor at Westbrook.

Over the last couple of months, I have gotten to spend considerable time with Kevin, and I am convinced that he is the right person for this job, and he will fit our culture very well. I am very excited about the possibility of him becoming our next pastor.

I want to encourage you to do your best to be at one of the Q and A sessions and to attend on Sunday morning. It will be a high point in our church’s history.