Northwest District
NW District News Archive
| Return from Sabbatical |
| District News - DS Dialog |
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September 20th has had a simple note on it for several months—return from sabbatical. This day has arrived and I officially conclude my time away. I'm grateful for the gift that the Northwest District has given me. After 34 years of ministry, this is my first such experience and I highly recommend it. I will be sharing insights and experiences with you in the days ahead, but for today I want to do a brief fly over…. I have several bouquets of “thank yous” to give: to Stacy and Mitzi, who have kept the office running smoothly; to Chad, Chuck, Bob and Holland, who have overseen the work of the district; to all of you, for your prayers and support, as we made this unique journey. It has impacted my life and I trust that I can build off of it to inspire and encourage others. One of my projects was to work with a sabbatical coach and take a hard, honest look at my ministry and leadership among you. Eighteen people—pastors and lay leaders, regional and denomination leaders—were invited to participate in a 360 evaluation of me. They spoke helpful words into my life. I've identified three areas that I want to give attention to in the coming year as I seek to be a better leader. I’ll share my full action plan with the DAB as I will invite them to hold me accountable. Reading was a high priority for this time. Going in I identified a dozen books I wanted to read. I got through nine on my list but read five additional ones. It was a rich time of listening, reflecting and writing. Eugene Peterson’s The Pastor was probably the most impactful. His understanding of Pastoral Theology has long helped me and this book added to my understanding. I also determined to read the New Testament and the first five books of the Old Testament in a new translation. In addition, I have practiced praying the psalms.A definite highlight for Robbie and me was the opportunity to go to a creative access country and train pastor/leaders in the house church movement. I’ll never forget the gatherings, the intense teaching times and the eager learning that took place in a high rise building where we quietly slipped in each day for classes and worship. As I return to the office I come with a renewed sense of calling from my God; a confidence that the work has moved forward in my absence; a readiness to reengage at every level of my assignment; and a desire to lead in better ways, both in the form of our structure and from my heart as a leader. I chose my sabbatical dates on purpose as I wanted to end with an event on the calendar where I'd soon see my pastors and engage in a time of God-focus and community building with them. I'm so looking forward to our time together in Leavenworth in early October. David Busic, our newly elected seminary president, will be our speaker. You will be blessed by David's ministry. Thanks for the opportunity to go on Sabbatical. Now I return with a renewed desire to see Northwest District advance. May we see lives transformed through the grace of God! May we see people daily walking the Jesus way! May our world be impacted as the Spirit sends us out to live and love. My prayer for you: “May what our Master Jesus Christ gives freely, be deeply and personally yours, my friends! Oh, yes!” Randall J. Craker
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Dear Northwest District Family,