Graham

Hello Believers Church,

I hope you are having an amazing summer season! I am writing to communicate a transition that will be taking place over the next month. It is the definition of “bitter-sweet” because this couple has deeply impacted our lives personally and Believers Church as a whole.

Last October, our Boardman Campus Pastor, Graham, and his wife Laurie, approached us about a stirring they were sensing for a new season of ministry. They didn’t have all the answers on what that next step would look like, but they wanted to include us in the journey as they processed where God was leading them. As the months passed, they began to have more and more clarity. Amazing doors have opened for them to be with their oldest son and daughter-in-law (along with their two beautiful grandkids) in Phoenix, Arizona beginning this August.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CATHERS? Pastor Graham will be launching a new ministry called CTMC International, partnering with an organization called New Generations. His goal is to create a network of people in Arizona and Southern California to catalyze Disciple Making Movements, which combine evangelism, discipleship and church planting. God has used this method to bring millions into his Kingdom over the last 20 years, and we believe Pastor Graham is hearing from God in partnering with them. What an incredible opportunity to be mentoring and training leaders, building prayer networks and directly reaching the lost across the world. Laurie is also excited to continue to serve as a Social Worker with children and families in that area!

SO, WHAT’S NEXT FOR BC BOARDMAN? Pastor Graham has done such an incredible job planting and leading the Boardman Campus. We don’t take this decision lightly because we know God has big plans for this amazing church community, and we are just getting started reaching Mahoning County! After many conversations and lots of prayer, we feel God has given us a clear understanding of who is to take their place. Our son and daughter-in-law, Joe Jr and Erin, will be stepping in to lead BC Boardman. Joe will become the Campus Pastor and Erin will continue as the Worship Pastor and team up with Joe to lead this church community together! Gina and I are always cautious about placing our kids in any role. Plain and simple, we HAVE TO HEAR FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT or we won’t do it. But we truly feel this is the right move. Both Erin and Joe have served faithfully within BC for over 15 years. Joe serves as the Executive Pastor, leading the staff, and he has played a major role in shaping the culture of our church for years. Erin has served as the worship pastor since day one in Boardman (plus, many years in Warren before that), and everything she touches thrives! Most of all, they have fallen in love with the people of Boardman and the Valley. They have a heart to be planted there and pastor for years to come. With the amazing team of staff and volunteers in place there, we think God is up to something, and we believe BC Boardman’s best days are ahead!

NOT GOING | SOWING – Early in my ministry, it was easy to view these transitions as someone “going.” Today, after watching God do this kind of thing for 37 years, I know this isn’t just someone going – this is us SOWING! What an amazing opportunity to be a church that sends world-changing leaders out with the message of Jesus! And when we sow, here’s the good news… WE REAP! God ALWAYS PROVIDES. He ALWAYS brings the right leaders and team AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME!

STEP OUT | STEP UP – One thing I have experienced over the years is that when someone STEPS OUT to obey God’s call, it allows others to STEP UP and become the leaders God made them to be. This is true for Joe and Erin, but it is also true for everyone who is part of BC Boardman. Some of you will sense a sadness in seeing Pastor Graham and Laurie move on (same here), but you will also sense a new excitement and grace to use your gifts to reach, rescue and disciple others. Don’t ignore that. God is doing something exciting, and you are a valuable part of what He is looking to do moving forward!

LET’S GET BEHIND THE CATHERS! Graham and Laurie have faithfully served BC for many years, and everything they have touched has thrived and grown! We would like to send them into this next season with the support they need to launch this new ministry. If you would like to participate in this offering, here’s how you can do it.

Online: Just visit www.believers.cc/give and “click to give” then choose “GRAHAM” in the dropdown menu

From your mobile device: Text “GRAHAM” a space and the amount to 330-239-8881 (Ex: GRAHAM 75)

By Mail: Please send your gift with “GRAHAM” in the memo to 2577 Schenley Avenue NE Warren, OH 44483 (Attn: Tom Jochman)

Church Office: You are welcome to come during business hours. We are open 8am-2pm on Monday-Thursday.

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