Hey everyone
Last week was a significant moment in the life and history of Riverview Church. At all services and all campuses, we had three members of the Board of Trustees – Steve Fraser (at Burswood campus), Jill Snell (at Joondalup campus) and John Sharpe (at Cockburn Central campus) - communicate live to the Church the decision that Phil Baker was stepping down as Senior Minister.
Although both the Board and Phil and Heather are agreed that this is the right decision – and acknowledge that it will enable Phil to focus on his rehabilitation and the Church to plan forward with more certainty – we are all of course saddened by the fact of it.
In case any partners were not able to be present – and on behalf of the Board of Trustees – I have included below the full text of the announcement that was made ...
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Riverview Announcement – from Board of Trustees on 17/18th July 2010
We have experienced an amazing and challenging 14 months since we first heard of Phil’s illness last May. We have seen the Leadership Team and the people of Riverview Church step up and continue to experience the blessings of God. We are enjoying a continued level of church growth, a secure financial position and an increasing number of people are coming to know God. This is truly the blessing and favour of God.
As you would have seen or heard from the interview with Phil and Heather at the Gathering last month, Phil has made incredible progress; he is full of faith, as well as joy and hope for the future. However, it is also clear that Phil has a lot more work to do to reach full recovery.
As we look to the future we realize that some important decisions have to be made. After significant discussion with Phil and Heather, it has been decided that Phil will step down from the position of Senior Minister. Philip and Heather are in agreement with this decision and whilst Phil is stepping down from this role, he will remain a staff member of Riverview Church.
1. So, what does this mean for Phil and Heather?
· This decision allows them to totally focus on Phil’s rehabilitation and recovery.
· Whilst Phil and Heather will remain on staff, it is not envisaged that either of them will return to work for at least another 12 months. Phil and Heather will be paid a financial package that includes their accrued entitlements during this period.
· We as a church are praying and believing for continuing recovery for Phil. At the point where Phil and Heather feel that they are able to return to work, they will continue their journey in partnership with Riverview in a new and different capacity. What that looks like remains to be seen, however, we believe that God has an exciting future for Phil and Heather. This journey will be significant and they will continue to be an integral part of Riverview Church.
· Phil and Heather have been faithful servants of God and the Church. In the weeks ahead we will all have the opportunity to thank them for their contribution as the senior ministers. But for as long as it takes, we will continue to travel this journey of recovery with them.
2. So what does this mean for Riverview Church?
· We will continue under the current leadership structure with Haydn Nelson as the Senior Minister and the Leadership Team.
· We will soon start the formal process for seeking out and appointing a Senior Minister. Next weekend we will talk through the process in some detail so that we can all participate by being supportive, full of faith and expectation that God is bringing the right person for the Church in this time.
· We ask you to uphold Phil and Heather in your prayers. God has proven that his church is larger than one man, no matter how gifted that one man is. Phil and Heather are incredible, anointed people of God and will always be loved by us.
· We are grateful that God continues to bless Riverview Church and we look to the future with renewed vigor and a sense of excitement. Whilst one chapter is coming to a close, another is beginning and we are expectant that God is at work in each person and every situation!
Jeremiah 29:11
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
Let us all continue to pray for our Church and for Phil and Heather, let us be led by scripture, let us continue to be connected to one another as we serve and believe that God has plans to give us, the people of Riverview Church, a sure hope and a magnificent future.
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Thank you again for your faithful service and deep encouragement at this time in the life of Riverview Church – let’s keep faith, hope and love alive within us – looking forward to seeing you this weekend.
Warmly
Haydn