March 28, 2025 - To Our Thrive Church Family

Karie Saunders
Mar 28
2 min read

Dear Church Family,

You may have heard, Pastor Won has decided to leave Thrive Church. Though we wish he and his family well, the FAST Leadership Team is already working toward our future pastor and will provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, Pastor Kris Kappler will continue to join us and preach at Thrive Church on Sunday mornings.

As we go forward, please be encouraged and keep the hope. God’s got us and He’s got His church. We must simply remember to pray and seek Him as He leads us through the search. Here are a few ways you can approach this time:

Continue to Attend and Participate in Church and Church Activities: It is important for us to be together, and to support and encourage each other as a church family. God has drawn us all and wants us to thrive as His children in His house.
Trust in God's Sovereignty: Remind yourself that God is ultimately in control and that He will lead our church to the right pastor at the right time.
Pray Unceasingly: Join leadership in making prayer a central part of the search process, asking for God's wisdom, discernment, and guidance for the search team and for the future pastor and their family.
Support the Search Committee: Offer your support and encouragement to the search team, recognizing their hard work and dedication.
Focus on Unity: Encourage unity within the congregation, reminding everyone to set aside personal preferences and focus on what God desires for the church.
Remember Christ's Promises: Focus on Scripture that highlights God's goodness and greatness, reminding yourself of His promises and His ability to do far more than you can imagine.
Be Patient and Hopeful: Recognize that finding the right pastor takes time and be patient and hopeful that God will lead you to the right person.
Encourage the future pastor and their family: Pray that God will give them the strength to leave their current ministry and give them a deep love for your church and community.
Encourage the congregation to seek the Lord through fasting: Spend the time of fasting in prayer, seeking the Lord about your pastoral search process.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Leadership Team, the church office, or to speak with Pastor Kris should you need assistance in processing or persevering through this time of preparation and waiting.

God’s best to you always, Karie Saunders, FAST Team Chair and sister-in-Christ

Heavenly Father God, please be with us as we wait upon You and Your perfect plan for Thrive Church. Provide for us the pastor You have in mind, and prepare us in the meantime to be the Church You have in mind for that pastor. We love you and praise you, in Jesus mighty and perfect name. Amen

Current Leadership Team: Karie Saunders, Jon Cohen, Glen Betts, Jenni Cohen, Sue Cole, Brian Drake, Kevin Frank, Pam Haskell, Andy Persons, Marc Plizga, David Schwaninger, Bonnie Walworth