Introduction

Dear Search Committee Members,

As the current Youth Director and Discipleship Director at Greater Portland Bible Church, I offer a unique candidacy that external candidates simply cannot match. I bring not only deep familiarity with our church culture and community, but a proven track record of implementing the very initiatives our congregation has identified as priorities. Having already led our staff through 20 weeks of discipleship training, organized a weekend conference for 60 leaders, and developed prototype groups that are actively reshaping our church culture, I have demonstrated both the vision and practical leadership skills needed in our next Lead Pastor. My existing relationships across all generations of our church family provide an invaluable foundation that would enable a smooth transition and immediate effectiveness in this role.

My ministry journey is driven by a deep seated why: Jesus' sacrifice restores us wholly to God, leading us to intentionally love others which invites them into an authentic relationship with Him. This conviction has sustained me across 20 years of ministry—through profound challenges like my son's cancer diagnosis and opportunities to preach timeless truths about God's fullness—as I've sought to obey a Master whose love redeems us all. I've pursued this calling by forging authentic connections at every level: leading comprehensive staff training, facilitating experiential learning for dozens of church leaders, doubling our youth ministry through intentional care, and developing messages that equip believers with purpose over polish. These efforts have begun answering the call for deeper discipleship within our church—extending impact here, near, and far—strengthening foundations for lives restored, as our interim pastor has affirmed on multiple occasions.

I envision Greater Portland Bible Church becoming a thriving community of authentic discipleship—a united family faithfully following Christ while equipping others to do the same. By continuing to cultivate our shared vision of intentional discipleship through relationships, actively pursuing our mission, and consistently living out our values, we can create reproducible systems where disciples make disciples, leadership develops naturally, and ministry multiplication becomes our new normal. This approach will honor our church's rich heritage while embracing the future God has for us, expanding His kingdom exponentially through transformed lives.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience, vision, and heart for this congregation align with the leadership needs of Greater Portland Bible Church.

Sincerely,