Dear ones,

The last 7 months have been nothing short of joy. I wake up every morning with an overwhelming sense that I get to do what I feel that God has made and called me to do. I get to do this. I get to open God’s word to a hungry congregation, I get to sit with people in some of their most vulnerable moments, I get to sit with teams as we dream about the future…I get to do this. I have been so thankful for the amazing staff that I get to partner with every single week – the gifts and talents and faithful stewardship that they bring to the table are a blessing to all of us. 

And, I know that many of you have been waiting and praying for another Associate Pastor to join our staff. For me, I’ve been longing for another pastor to help lead our staff and congregation into the future. Having another thought partner will be a gift that I am looking forward to.

With that, I am so excited about the Associate Pastor Candidate, Pastor Jake Roberts. After months of searching, discerning, interviewing, and praying, Pastor Jake is the candidate the Call Team has called and is enthusiastically presenting to our congregation for a vote of affirmation. 

I have known Pastor Jake for several years now. He is a pastor with a humble heart and an enthusiastic and winsome leadership style. Pastor Jake’s love for Jesus and scripture is evident in his preaching and teaching, and his passion to see the local church flourish is inspiring. I am grateful that God is bringing Pastor Jake to us, and I am so excited at the thought of having another partner to lead this church forward. I believe Pastor Jake is the right culture fit, and I believe you will love him when you have the opportunity to meet him during the next Shepherd’s Heart Live, on Wednesday, October 18th. It will be an evening of conversation with Pastor Jake followed by a vote of affirmation. 

Kathy Felton, a member of the call team, wrote a beautiful reflection on Pastor Jake’s call that I am happy to share:

My devotion this morning ended with “Whatever I do, I want to work at it with all my heart, as working for you”. [Jesus Listens by author Sarah Young]. This is a fitting way to describe the essence of Pastor Jake.

It became very clear immediately, that Pastor Jake possesses spiritual gifts and skills that would be of benefit to Good Shepherd. Additionally, Good Shepherd has much to offer to Pastor Jake and his young family both personally and professionally. While that sounds very transactional, it’s also very important as good, solid relationships should benefit all stakeholders.

Pastor Jake’s capacity, drive, energy, and skill sets are impressive, but more importantly, they’re clearly fueled by God and powered through the Holy Spirit.

Our Good Shepherd family will immediately recognize his many talents but I hope they also recognize and appreciate his passion, humility, and love for all. It’s sincere and genuine – the real deal. I believe God brings the right people into our lives, for the right reasons, at the right time. The Call Team has worked tirelessly for 21 months knowing that God would place us on a path to intersect with our next pastor at the perfect moment. That pastor is Jake. The time is now.

My family has been part of the Good Shepherd for over 30 years. In that time, we’ve witnessed this church step out boldly in faith numerous times. It takes a special kind of leadership to do that, one that leans into God and relies on the Holy Spirit. We’re excited for this next chapter in the Good Shepherd story and very eager to see where God takes us next through the faithful leadership of Pastor Tara Beth and Pastor Jake.

Friends, this is another big and exciting moment for our congregation. I am hopeful and expectant for the days ahead. Please join us this coming Wednesday to affirm our next pastor!

From my heart,

Pastor Tara Beth Leach