Now is the time for our fervent prayers.

Dear COAH,

It was difficult for all of us last Sunday to receive the difficult news about our senior pastor search. It was tough for me to announce the decision of the Session to decline the candidate, as it was also very difficult for you to listen to. I felt sorry for the search committee members,  who had worked hard. I felt sorry for all the members of the congregation who had been praying so hard. I also felt sorry for the candidate pastor, who had waited patiently over the past few months. It was a tough week for the elders who had to decline the candidate.

We must think about the road ahead. What do we need to do now? Since my retirement is about ten months away, we have plenty of time to find my successor. The Session will consider a new search method to find a good candidate. It may sound a bit cliché because I have emphasized it many times, but now is the time for us to pray with all our hearts, relying on God, seeking God's will, and waiting for His leading. We must not put our ideas before God's. I believe that when the whole church is united in the Spirit in prayer, God will send the right pastor to our church. 

We also need to pray for the election of elders. We all know how important the office of eldership is. We have several candidates who agree to have their names stand. They all meet the qualifications required of an elder.

Now is the time for our fervent prayers. I will be spending a lot of time in prayer this coming week at the Young Nak Retreat Center. I am confident that God, who has faithfully and graciously led us this far, will continue to guide us in the next chapter of our church's life. I ask you, dear members, to join me in prayer wherever you are this week. Let us seek God's guidance together.

Blessings,

Pastor Minho Song