An Internship & A Call
Deacon Kenny - June 11, 2023
Dear Saints of Christ Lutheran Church,
You all have heard me share in worship many times; I have been on a journey of discernment over the past year of my life which led me to you in response to God’s call by switching rosters from a Deacon to a Pastor. The discernment has continued during my internship with you, discerning where God is calling me to serve, once I complete my internship and coursework. It is with a sense of sadness, fear, excitement, and hopefulness that I share with you my decision to not pursue a pastoral call here at Christ Lutheran Church.
The past six and a half months has been a wonderful experience filled with much joy, learning, and growth. You have affirmed my call to pastoral ministry and have been an absolute blessing to me as you allowed me to experiment, share, and learn. It is, in fact, through your words of affirmation that I have discerned God calling me to be a Lead Pastor, shepherding a congregation through the highs and lows of ministry, preaching the gospel, and administering the sacraments to all people. I do not yet know where this particular call will be. I was officially approved by the Metro DC Synod for ordination on June 7. The Metro DC Synod has identified a congregation in Northern Virginia that they believe aligns well with my gifts for ministry and I will begin the process of interviewing in the coming weeks. I am excited about what God might be up to and ask for your prayers as I begin this call process.
I am forever grateful to Pastor Scott, Pastor Ryan, and the entire CLC Staff for the ways they have poured into me, welcomed me on to the team, and the many opportunities given to me to grow and learn. I will deeply miss serving together. I am grateful for the young people and their families who trusted me with shepherding them these past months. I am grateful for each one of you, for your kindness, your generosity, and your faithfulness! I am a better pastor because of each of you!
This decision was not easy. It is truly a call from God. Christ Lutheran is a very special place. When Pastor Scott first introduced me to you, he said, “We hope he will fall in love with us.” I can honestly tell you; I have! I have fallen in love with you and will take the best of you with me to share and build God’s kingdom elsewhere. But our time together isn’t done yet! I have two and a half more months serving alongside of you! My last day will be Sunday, August 27th. Until then, I look forward to working with the Family Ministry team to develop plans for an awesome fall launch, will continue to build teams of people to lead our youth, and will do whatever asked of me to make a smooth transition for the future.
Thank you, Christ Lutheran, for taking a chance on me! Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for loving me. And thank you for blessing me so that I might be a blessing to others.
God’s Peace Be with You!
Deacon Kenny Champagne