As the Personnel Team Chair, I report with a mixture of emotions that Pastor Eric will be departing First Baptist Church Washington D.C. effective July 28, 2024.
This coming Sunday, April 28, First Baptist Church of Greensboro, North Carolina, will vote on inviting to Eric to become their Associate Pastor for Music and Worship. Eric has felt a calling to this new place of service, and we wholeheartedly support Eric as he follows the Lord’s guidance. He has generously agreed to stay through almost all of Pastor Julie’s sabbatical period.
[You are invited to watch the video below in which Pastors Julie and Eric talk about his call to FBC Greensboro.]
Pastor Eric has been with the Church for more than two and half years and what a difference he has made. Eric is an incredibly hard worker who has touched nearly everyone at First Baptist. Whether it is leading the Choir, orchestrating worship, enhancing our young adult ministry, managing logistics around the Church, analyzing our financial spending, or facilitating our Consultant’s work, Eric has done it all exceptionally well. He is kind, thoughtful, smart, gracious and gifted. We wish him nothing but the best for the next step on his journey.
While I am saddened that he is leaving, I feel incredibly fortunate that we had this time together. I am reminded of a phrase we learned during the Education for Ministry program regarding the spiritual journey that each of us embarks on during our time together:
For the journey that brought you here;
For the opportunity to walk with you for a time;
For the journey yet to come;
Thanks be to God.
Future communications will come as we plan our next steps together, but for now, THANK YOU to Pastor Eric.
In addition to viewing the video below, you are invited to read the letter from Pastor Eric to the Personnel Team, Church Council and Congregation. Please feel free to reach out to me, Pastor Julie, and/or Pastor Eric with any questions about this news.
Finally, Pastor Eric: as the Bible says in Numbers Chapter 6, verses 24-26: The Lord Bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Jay Guenthner
From Personnel Team Chair Jay Guenthner