What Happened in Bremerton

Hello all, Casey here.

Some of you might be wondering where we are at in the process with the church in Bremerton. I thought I would wait a bit before updating here, so that the church could inform their people accordingly. Last week I sent an email to a friend of mine who had asked for an update, and rather than rehash everything again I thought I would just copy and paste from that email. So here goes:

This Sunday was my last one at the church in Washington and I thought I would send you an update. I had a meeting with the search committee on Sunday afternoon and they said that they wouldn't be extending a call to me, that it won't be going to a congregational vote. When I asked them why, they stated that "We don't think you want this job." In my interview, they did not get the sense that I really wanted to be there. I am thankful that they came to this conclusion, because it would have been hard for me to decide myself. I told them that I really liked their church, but had been unable to have peace about a decision either way. Kelly and I had talked it over at length, and had decided if they had extended a call that we would need to take a good portion of time and pray about it, since we did not feel good about deciding either way. I think that the church picked up on this hesitancy in my attitude in the interview, and I think that their decision was the right one. For once I was actually glad to have the decision taken out of my hands.

Besides that, they were very encouraging. They believed that I would have been a good fit there doctrinally and philosophically, and I generally agree. They were very encouraging about my preaching as well; they said that they were blessed by my time there and do not regret bringing me up there, and we even discussed the possibility of coming back in the summer if they are in need of pulpit supply. Apparently they received eleven applicants for the job in their first posting, and never strongly considered any of them but me. They told me that the answers I gave to their questionnaire (which was the first step of applying) showed more wisdom and discernment than some men nearly twice my age. So all of that was very encouraging.

I do think that they made the right choice, though. I just think that it was not the right time; the thought of getting up and making another major move just six months after moving from Colorado was daunting. If the same job had been in a closer location, or if it came up a year or two down the road, I think it might have turned out differently. Another pastor from the area who has helped that church out with their search process also interviewed me, and though he liked me as well he wondered if it might be too soon for me to jump right back into ministry after the difficult experiences I've had so far. Perhaps he's right; I don't know. If it's the right circumstance, I don't think it will be a problem. I don't think this was the right one, though--not at this time, at least.

So that's that. But in a bit of good news, my job at McKay was picked back up for next year without even a reduction in hours, so that's good. Also, on Tuesday I have an interview for a job that would be even better, so here's hoping that it works out.