Letter to LLc non-attenders

Hi Everyone
This is a letter I'm sending out - so when I start making contact with your non-attenders they will know why I'm calling. I pray you have a great Easter. Clint


Dear Pastor,

Thirty years ago I accepted the call from a large multi-staffed church to become the pastor of First Baptist Church in Oak Harbor, WA. I worked hard, prayed long and fervently and I was excited to be serving Jesus in my first ministry all on my own.
It wasn’t long before I learned the reality of the loneliness of leadership. I’d come from a large staff and realized I needed the closeness of others to make it. (Note-I said I needed, not just wanted, desired or would like.) I needed someone with whom I could bat around ideas, share, and be myself. I wondered if anyone cared about the congregational issues I faced or my hurts and fears and even our church successes.
I was in ministry a full year when I decided to call and let our Region know that I was alive and well since no one had contacted me. Typical church organizations and structure suggest that we hold ourselves at a balanced distance from our peers and denominational leaders. I wondered how I could be open and honest with regional staff since they also held my future.
I’d learned from my multi-staff experience that to flourish, my relationship with God must be rooted in relationships with others. There is no substitute for flesh and blood companions if we want to understand ourselves, grow in faith and compassion, and keep ourselves from losing our way.
That’s why I’m writing to you after 30 years of ministry. Three years ago our Executive Minister Dr. Charles Revis started “Leadership Learning Communities” to help us understand, pursue and achieve God’s vision for each of our ministries. I’ve found myself in a L.L.C. of peers who have spiritually challenged me. I’ve found spiritual friends that make my faith grow. I’ve learned about the changes happening in the church, in culture and how a leader’s approach must change too.
I’m very excited about the future of our Region from the stories I am hearing as our L.L.C.’s meet each month. If you are not participating in a L.L.C. - I’d like to encourage you to become involved. It will change your life spiritually and help grow your people to do great things for the Lord. I am such a believer of L.L.C.’s that I will be calling you to share some of the wonderful stories that have been a result of pastor’s ministering to each other.
Let me encourage you to be part of our Regions “Leadership Learning Communities”. I look forward to talking with you.

Together in ministry,



Clint Webb