Hope Together

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”- Ecclesiastes 4:9

This past Saturday night Joanie and I shared the news that we have accepted a new assignment to be the lead pastors at CROSSPOINT Foursquare Church in Santa Clarita.  After 17 years of having the absolute privilege of serving an amazing, precious group of people at Restoration Church, where we have had a front row seat to watching God move in our midst, He has led us into a new season and chapter.

There will be MORE TIME TOGETHER (Don’t miss that and see below) for us to share the story, pray for God’s best, and walk into the “New” of this season.  One of the first words the Holy Spirit spoke upon this opportunity becoming official was that we need to “Hold onto Hope together.”  Hebrews 6:18-19 says, “We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor of our soul, firm and secure.”

A variety of emotions and questions come whenever there is transition and change.  Although there may be too many to address in this writing, let me answer two to refocus and reassure us. 

1. Why CROSSPOINT Church? Was this simply a move to a bigger church?  Not at all.  We have a long history with this church and valley.  Joanie was born and raised in Santa Clarita, so in many ways it is a homegoing.  For myself, this church founded because my pastor and spiritual father, Scott Bauer, had a vision to start a campus called “The Church On The Way- Santa Clarita”.  From these realities you can imagine the heartfelt sense of calling we have to this place.

2. What will happen to RESTORATION Church? I want to be clear that this is not a CONCLUSION, but a TRANSITION into the new.  We are not leaving tomorrow or next week (or next month for that matter).  We love and care for Thousand Oaks and will walk with you in seeking out God’s next and best.  Just as we have been leading both churches for the last seven months, we will continue to pastor both for the next season (likely 3-6 months).  Our church council will be working with our Foursquare District during this transitions season.  We believe that there is a wonderful opportunity and open door before us!

We love you so much, we count it a joy to have been the pastors here for 17 years, and we believe there is more to come of God’s goodness at work in Restoration Church and the Conejo Valley!