Senior Pastor Search

After a little more than four years as senior pastor of Collegedale Church and 34 years in the ministry, John Nixon has decided to change course and join the religion faculty of Southern Adventist University. His new duties begin on August 1. The Nixons will remain a part of the Collegedale community as now both John and Januwoina will be employees of the University. The Church Board will meet with Georgia-Cumberland Conference personnel to outline the process for selecting a new Senior Pastor. That process will be included in the next issue of Churchbeat.

by John Nixon
It was a difficult decision for us to come to but after heartfelt prayer and probing discussion between us, Januwoina and I both arrived at conviction. The Lord has directed me into a new area of ministry. I look forward to working with an excellent religion faculty in helping to promote the mission of Southern Adventist University.

That we will have the privilege of remaining a part of this community is some consolation for the sense of loss I feel in leaving the pulpit. I am filled with gratitude for the partnership I have enjoyed with my fellow pastors, with the Elder Board and other officers, and with every member of the Collegedale Church. As I know the Lord led us in our decision, I know He will provide for the future leadership of His church. My successor is already in His mind. May God continue to bless us as we go forward to fulfill the mission He has given us.

A cookie reception for John and Januwoina will be held Sabbath, Aug. 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Atrium. Please bring your cards and words of appreciation at that time. If you would like to contribute to a farewell gift, mark your tithe envelope "Nixon Gift".

To provide dependable delivery of strong spiritual insight during the search for a new senior pastor, President Gordon Bietz has agreed to serve as interim senior pastor until such time as new pastoral leadership is found. His first Sabbath will be August 14. Bietz spent 13 years as pastor of the Collegedale Church and was then Georgia- Cumberland Conference president before accepting his current presidency at Southern. Bietz's primary responsibility at the church will be providing a regular pulpit presence and spiritual leadership. He will be depending on the pastoral staff to carry the general church responsibilities. Bietz's primary workload will continue to be full time service as university president.

The search process has already begun for a new senior pastor. Please pray for these church leaders as well as the team who will be prayerfully seeking God's will for selecting the next senior pastor of Collegedale Church.