Help Is On The Way
July 4, 2008I promised an announcement this week, and here it is.
Over the last year and a half we’ve seen consistent growth. We have more people, more income, more opportunities, and more influence than we’ve ever had before. All of which means it’s more important than ever that we be good stewards of all the above.
At the same time my responsibilities have increased steadily in two areas. My primary responsibilities involve speaking (obviously), casting vision, determining the direction of the church, and in general charting the course for our future. I call this the 1,000-foot level.
But there is also the need for attention to details, like which copier do we need to buy and how can we best maximize office space and what do our 6 full time and 2 part time staff need to work on this week to move us closer to our goal? This is the 100-foot level.
Time for a little secret. Pastors of smaller churches lead at both levels, mainly out of necessity. We constantly switch back and forth, which can be draining. And it’s not that I mind all the details at the 100-foot level. I know they’re necessary, but they don’t GIVE me evergy, they TAKE it from me. And there comes a point when addressing each level becomes so big that you can’t afford to alternate any more.
That’s where RPC is. There’s too much on both levels to be addressed by one person. It’s obvious (or at least it was to us) that we need to hire someone to handle the 100-foot level, so I can be freed up to lead, speak, and chart the course for our future at the 1000-foot level.
So we’re hiring an Executive Pastor. Someone to manage the details. God has blessed us financially to be able to do this, and he’s also sent several qualified candidates to choose from. Michael Mathews was the obvious choice, mainly because he’s been my go-to guy for several years now. He was pumped at the chance, but after praying about it he felt the timing wasn’t right, and we support him on that.
So after much prayer and hours of discussion between the Personnel Team and the Trustees, we unanimously agreed to offer the job to Travis Thompson, and he accepted. We are excited about this, as is Travis, and we believe – we KNOW – that this is the right fit both for us and for him.
Travis comes on board at the beginning of August, and I know he’ll add value immediately. I’m already breathing easier, and he hasn’t even started yet.
So go on over and check him out at his blog. Support him Sunday as he kicks off our new series. And encourage him about this great opportunity, for him AND for us.
And some day soon he’ll share the full story of what brought him and his family to RPC. It has “Divine Providence” written all over it.
timmcollins.com RSS
I am very happy about the decision made. You never know what God is thinking and how He is moving. I have known Travis and Kristen for a long time. A few months ago I knew Travis was praying about planting a church and never did I dream God would plant Travis & Kristen at RPC. A wonderful asset to RPC. Travis and Kristen are a very loving, caring, and serving family. I am very excited at what the potential for RPC is with Travis and Kristen being on board! I know that God is doing some awesome things at RPC!!
i’m super excited! we are very lucky to have travis and kfj on our team.
[...] Big Announcement Timm Collins just posted a big announcement on his blog, so be sure to click through and read about what’s happening at [...]
Although I haven’t known Travis that long, he shows dedication and commitment to our family at RPC. I know he will continue to be an awesome leader in our church!
I am so excited! I get giddy every time I think about where God has brought us so far and what HE is up to next! I think that this is a great fit for RPC… What it boils down to, is that you dont have to be the Chief Cook & Bottle Washer anymore. You have a lot of talent on your leadership team and it is exciting to see things that are happening. I really believe that God is up to something BIG for RPC!
Awesome news. Another great link in the leadership chain for RPC! I see great things on the horizon for us!
Very excited for you Timm, and for the church. It’s a fun growth time and I’m excited to see some of that weight lifted off your shoulders! I’m praying for you, the staff, the church, and for Travis during the transition!!! Congrats!
[...] week will be crazy. We’ll spend the week shifting offices around, getting ready for Travis to start work at RPC in 2 weeks. If you happen to call the office and we miss it, be a little patient with us – [...]