God continues to amaze us with how He is answering the prayer for more workers. Still a bit surprised as we write this, Terry and Ruth Smith are returning to pastor one of our churches in Eastern PA. As many of you know, Terry is a former pastor and superintendent in our district and current Alliance Vice President for Church Ministries.
Read more of the story from Terry Smith.
In July 2023, I made a passing comment to Nate Howard that I might need a church to pastor in a couple of years.
Of course, I was referring to the time at the conclusion of the Alliance president’s tenure. However, in mid-December, Nate contacted me about the need for a lead pastor at Locust Valley Chapel. As I was typing my “thanks but no thanks” reply, the Lord put a check in my spirit and reminded me that I had not talked to Him nor to Ruth about this. I deleted my “no thanks” sentence and told Nate instead that I would talk to Ruth and that we would pray together about it.
I wasn’t sure what Ruth’s response would be, but she was quite open to this new possibility. Later she used the word “expectant.” As we prayed, my own heart began to be filled with excitement about the possibility of pastoring another church and, specifically, about pastoring Locust Valley Chapel. I would characterize it as the Spirit putting new wind in my sails.
Ruth and I talked and prayed, sensing a freedom from the Lord to go with Nate’s plan for a start date of May 2024. When he met with the elders the next day, they were very excited to engage us in conversation about the possibility of being their next pastor.
This was the point at which I informed Alliance President John Stumbo about this process and our openness to it, even a sense that God was calling us to do it. He has been very gracious and supportive, for which I am thankful. On January 18, Ruth and I had an interview with the elders of the church via Zoom. There was a great connection, and the elders, Ruth, and I left the interview very excited about what the Lord was putting together. We candidated on the weekend of February 18, a call was extended, and we enthusiastically accepted.
Here's another story within the story: In November, our youngest son, his wife, and their three children started attending Locust Valley Chapel. This was an answer to prayer and a huge blessing. During our Christmas visit, we took them into our confidence and shared this possibility with them, not wanting to do anything that would deter their further spiritual progress. Their faces lit up and they assured us that they’d love it if this happened. While not our reason for considering this opportunity, we will readily admit that it is a wonderful “side blessing.”
I want to emphasize that I continue to enthusiastically support John’s leadership and the priorities and plans that he has laid out for The Alliance. My possible departure is not to be interpreted as a reaction against anything or anyone. Rather, we believe it is a response to the call of our Lord and the Lord of the Church—albeit an unexpected one.
We appreciate your prayers as we walk through this process and transition.