One of the phrases that has been echoing in my mind this week comes from the prophet Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” It’s a very humbling reminder that no matter how certain we feel, God is always bigger than our certainty. God is always at work beyond the edges of what we can see, imagine, or neatly explain.

In a world that often rewards information bombardment and defensiveness over careful listening, this kind of humility feels countercultural. Our faith reminds us that we don’t have to choose between strong convictions and open minds. In fact, our faith is healthiest when we hold both together informing one another. We are rooted deeply in what we believe, while remaining open to the possibility that God may still be teaching us something new. That balance is not easy, but it is important and holy work that we can do together. This Sunday in worship we will dig into what it means for our church to aspire to Open Minds and how we might live that out in the world. 

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MCCC Ministry Transition FAQ

Many of you have asked thoughtful, caring questions about the coming ministry transition out of love for our church and concern for what comes next. I’m grateful for that! Below you will find an FAQ that tries to address these concerns, and I wanted to reiterate a couple things here. Please, however, read the whole of the attached document! If you have any questions, please ask!

As I shared previously, this decision to conclude ministry with MCCC has come from a deep sense that God is calling me in a new direction, toward work that allows me to serve children and families in crisis. God calls us in, and God calls us out, even when the timing is tender and the leaving is hard. As a reminder, my final Sunday to preach will be February 15, and on February 22 we will celebrate together in worship and offer a joyful send-off filled with gratitude for the years we have shared.

I wanted to share as well that our family doesn’t have any current plans to move. We will continue living in Hiram, and Christin will remain in her work as a school counselor at Streetsboro. As our kids head into new chapters of their own, we are holding a lot of change together as a family. We are grateful, emotional, hopeful, and still figuring things out as we go! 

Some questions have also come up around boundaries after my departure, and I want to speak to those with as much care and clarity as I can. According to our Ministerial Code of Ethics, it is important for former pastors to step back during a season of transition so that a new pastor can form their own relationships and leadership without confusion or complication. This boundary is not about a lack of affection or care, it’s about health, trust, and setting the next chapter of this church up for success. I will have to set a boundary, but will not run away from you when I see you in the community. I will always care deeply for this congregation, even as I honor the space needed for what comes next. For similar reasons, future weddings, funerals, and pastoral care rightly belong to the MCCC leaders and the pastors who will walk with you into the next season. That was once true for me when I arrived here, and it will be a gift for those who come after me as well.

What matters most to me right now is the time we have to worship together, to share a meal or a cup of coffee, to say things that don’t always fit neatly into announcements or policies. This has not been an easy decision for our family, and your prayers, grace, and presence mean more than I can fully express.

Thank you for being a church that is willing to trust God’s larger vision, even when the path feels uncertain. Thank you for holding strong convictions alongside open minds. And thank you for continuing to walk this journey with humility, courage, and love!

I hope to see you this Sunday in worship! With deep gratitude,
Pastor Chad