Below are all of the Elder Extra updates that have appeared in our Weekly Email Blasts, starting from most recent scrolling down to the first.

Elder Extra Update for 11/16/23

LTP Search
Thank you First B family for praying for the search for our next Lead Teaching Pastor. The Congregant Interview Team (CIT) and Elders have just completed a second round of interviews with four very gifted and qualified candidates. We are asking our First B family to continue to pray for our team as we consider the next steps in the process. Our specific request is for everyone to pray Tuesday, November 21 at 6:30 pm as the CIT and Elders prayerfully meet to discuss insights, perspectives and observations of the candidates. The Elders will then make a prayerful decision of who to move on in the process.  We covet your prayers during this vital process for First B.

Elder Extra Update for 11/02/23

LTP Search

The search for First B’s next Lead Teaching Pastor is well underway. Vanderbloemen presented four candidates to our Congregant Interview Team (CIT) and elders in the middle of October. All four candidates have completed round one of the interviews. After much prayer and discussion, the elders have decided to move all four of the candidates on to the second round of interviews.  Please continue to pray for this process, for these candidates and their families, the CIT and the elders as we seek to identify the man God is calling to help lead our congregation.

Prayers for the Middle East

While the world seems to be in chaos, we are reminded of the promise of our King, speaking peace and goodwill to all people.  We are heartbroken and shocked by the devastating violence and loss of life in Israel and Gaza. As stories and images continue to emerge daily from the region, we grieve alongside those who are suffering. As Jesus wept, so do we. Please Pray for:

* Peace and for all those suffering through this escalating humanitarian crisis.

* World leaders to use all available diplomatic resources to bring an end to the fighting and renew the search for a durable peace.

* Innocent civilians on all sides who must be protected from further bloodshed.

* The international community and global church to support efforts to meet the needs of civilians affected by the conflict.

Elder Extra Update for 9/21/23

Lead Teaching Pastor Search Update

The recruitment for our Lead Teaching Pastor (LTP) position continues. Vanderbloemen, our search firm, will be presenting candidates to the elders and the Congregation Interview Team (CIT) on October 12. Interviews will take place in October and early November. The CIT will provide feedback on each candidate interviewed to inform the elders’ decision on the top one or two candidates to pursue. 

Please continue to pray for God’s will and His wisdom for the CIT and the elders as they interview these candidates as we seek God’s man in God’s time. We appreciate the encouraging words that many of you have shared with us individually over the past few months as we relaunched this recruitment. We look forward to what God has in store for our church in the months and years to come!

Elder Extra Update for 8/10/23

The search for our next Lead Teaching Pastor at First B is continuing to progress after our last reboot. Vanderbloemen, our search firm, is projecting that they will present a new batch of vetted candidates to our elders and Congregational Interview Team in mid-September. Please continue to pray for wisdom and discernment for our elders, search firm, and CIT as we seek God’s man, in God’s timing, for God’s church.

Church Budget Approval Timeline 

The schedule for our yearly church budget affirmation is as follows:

• August 13 – Budget copies available and presented during morning worship services
• August 14 – Absentee Ballots available in the Church Office
• August 20 – Question and Answer time with Elders immediately after both Sunday services in Room 103. Absentee ballots available at the Welcome Center.
• August 27 – Church Affirmation vote at the end of each worship service.

Thank you for investing in the life of First B and its ministries. The year 2022-23 has been a positive time of both stability and growth. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your prayers, service, and contributions. 

Elder Extra Update for 6/29/23

A few weeks ago, we published the process for new elder selection at FBC. The Board is constructed of two lead pastor-elders and the rest are congregant-elders. Congregant-elders are men who are already serving in the church and aspire to serve for a term of four years in the elder “office” to care for the church in a governance & shepherding role. 

The Congregant-Elder Recommendation Team (*CERT) and the current Board of elders are pleased to present Craig Dickison, for your consideration, as candidate for congregant-elder.

Elder Extra Update for 4/27/23

Hello Church Family,

Thank you to those that attended our “Elder Dessert and Discussion” in the gym last Sunday night!

Pallet Shelter Update

Many have asked the status of the pallet shelters that sit on our property. An update was shared at the Dessert, Discussion and Prayer with the Elders last Sunday evening. The county stopped funding on these shelters in June of 2022. In April of 2022 we began the process of looking for a new partner to help oversee, place families, and run a program to help families move from homelessness to finding permanent housing. We met with many organizations throughout our community. Gabe Poiechowicz and Everyone’s Village became the best option.  Everyone’s Village has the connections and relationships with the county to vet families, the infrastructure to implement programming and oversite, and a passion to partner with churches and other organizations to make the name of Jesus known. The struggle has been obtaining the correct type of insurance coverage that will give all parties the type of coverage needed. Gabe Poiechowicz and FBC searched through all their resources, no one would cover the type of insurance needed for this partnership to continue as we desired. With the blessing of all the elders, we have decided for the shelters to be moved to Everyone’s Village site so these shelters can be used to help individuals. However, we have both committed to seek other options for insurance as to bring the shelters back to FBC.

Please continue to pray for ways FBC can partner and lead in helping such families in crisis. Pray that insurance companies will develop plans that we can obtain to partner with others in ministry. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Brad Lauer
Lead Executive Pastor/Elder
bradl@fbceugene.com

Elder Extra Update for 4/20/23

Hello Church Family,

Don’t forget that this Sunday, April 23rd, you’re invited to another “Elder Dessert and Discussion” at 6 pm in the gym. We will have childcare available. So, after dinner, come join us for dessert and we will bring you up to speed on the topics the Elders and the Church are working on…Ministry Praise Report, Teaching Pastor Search, Finances and other topics. We will break out into small groups so you can have time to ask questions and pray with an Elder as well. Hope you all can make it!

Elder Extra Update for 4/13/23

Hello Church Family!

What an amazing Easter Celebration for our Risen King Jesus! Thanks to all who had a hand in the weekend of busy events! From our prayerful, acoustic, Good Friday service, to our Easter Egg-stravaganza, with over 700 people filling their easter baskets, having lunch and receiving and an inspirational message from our very own Pastor Dave Mertz! Sunday, we were blessed with over 1500 people attending our joyous Easter services. It’s such a blessing to see everyone’s smiles filling the Church halls again!

On that note, we want to invite you to another “Elder Dessert and Discussion” on Sunday, April 23 at 6 pm. We will have childcare available. So, after dinner, come join us for dessert and we will bring you up to speed on the topics the Elders and the Church are working on…Ministry Updates, Teaching Pastor Search, Finances and other topics. We will break out into small groups so you can have time to ask questions and pray with an Elder as well. Hope you all can make it!

Ron Ewert, Elder

Elder Extra Update for 4/6/23

Church Family,
 
Thank you for your continued generosity to the gospel mission of First B. Over the years, First B has given and given and given again to support missions, ministry, special projects, etc. Throughout Scripture, giving, tithing, and offerings are said to bring blessings of God and to show God our true heart. We give as an act of worship. So, thank you for giving sacrificially, especially during our time of transition and the anticipation of our future.
 
Currently as a church we are giving to 95% of our weekly budget needs. In other words, we are behind in our budget needs by almost $100,000. Please consider what God is leading you to give as your act of worship to Him each and every week. We have multiple ways of giving including the boxes around the worship center, mailing a check to the office, giving online by going to our website, and even text to give.
 
To set up on-line giving either for a one-time gift or a reoccurring gift follow the below directions:

1. Go to www.fbceugene.com
2. Click the  GIVE button and select DONATE
3. Select “Give to Gospel Work”
4. Fill out the form.

 
If you need any help in setting this up, please call the Church Office and ask for the Business Office.
 
“Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”  Proverbs 3:9-10
 
Growing Together,
 
Brad Lauer
Lead Executive Pastor

Elder Extra Update for 3/16/23

Hello Church!

We wanted to make you aware of a title change the board approved for our dear Lead Pastor, Brad Lauer. As you know, we are currently under a “dual-lead” model. When Brad was hired, his title was Lead Operations Pastor. In the past year, the board has concluded that Brad’s giftings extend far beyond budgets, human resources, and facilities. He has vast experience in ministry development and implementation as well as team leading and Church management.

We are now looking for another Co-Lead Pastor to join Pastor Brad. The elder board, who oversees the Lead Pastors, has changed Brad’s title to Lead Executive Pastor. Brad has done an amazing job leading our church through challenging times, has loved the staff well and has a passion for the Mission and Vision of our church. This won’t affect anything Brad is already actively doing, but it honors his giftings as a Co-Lead Pastor and clarifies to candidates seeking the Lead Teaching Pastor job who they will be working with.

Keep praying for the Search Team and Elders every day for the next Lead Teaching Pastor to join our team of dedicated and gifted pastors here at First B!

Thanks!
Ron Ewert, Elder

Elder Extra Edition for 3/9/23

Topic: Update on Search for the Lead Teaching Pastor

Dear Church,

There is cause for thanks and celebration. For 170 years, First B has enjoyed God’s blessing. We pursue our common vision to see tens of thousands of people from all nations come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Over the last six weeks, the women (5) and men (3) of the Congregant Interview Team and the congregant elders (8) completed the interview process starting with four candidates. Three of these men came from the west coast and one from the south. All four were initially interviewed, 45-90 minutes each, via zoom. After which, the CIT members provided their insights and observations to the EB during a joint four-hour meeting at the church.

Considering all the elder and CIT input, the elders invited three of the four men to a 2.5 hour, in-depth second zoom-interview. After accepting the invite, one man sent a very warm withdrawal letter stating that he and his wife felt that their current ministry work was not complete. The remaining two final candidates were interviewed last week. On Tuesday night there was another joint meeting of the elders and CIT. After this meeting, the Elders considered all that had been learned through research, sermon samples, interviews, ratings, rankings, and the sharp and wise observations of the CIT. The Elders have unanimously concluded to not move either candidate forward.

While we are disappointed that we don’t have our final candidate, we remain confident God will provide in His time. We are so thankful to these wonderful CIT servants who have invested more hours than we may ever know. We can all be very proud of their great work, insight, and prayerful wisdom. We are thankful for the collective prayer spoken in groups and classes on Sundays, in Life Groups weekly, and many individuals daily. Please continue praying and praising.

Looking ahead, we continue to be blessed by our Interim teaching pastor, Keith Potter. On Sunday, Lead Operations Pastor Brad Lauer extended the Right-hand of Fellowship with several more wonderful men and women who now call First B home. Our adult and children attendance continues to grow.  More and more members and attenders are finding areas to serve and be served. It’s beautiful.

The Board will meet soon to discuss next steps in our search process. There are options to consider including engaging a new search firm, refreshing the LTP position profile, and others.  Stay tuned for more updates on email and Sunday announcements. Feel free to reach out to an elder in the lobby with comments and questions and/or email elders@fbceugene.com.

Blessings,

Glen, Al, Steve, Marlin, Ron, Sanjeev, Peter, and Sheldon

Elder Extra Update – 02/23/2023

Hi Church Family,

Thank you for your prayers for our church, our staff, one another, and for those serving our body and community. Here is a quick update on our search for our next Lead Teaching Pastor (LTP).  The Congregant Interview Team (CIT) interviewed four candidates and the elders reviewed each of the recorded Zoom interviews. After discussion with the CIT, the elders have decided to move three of the candidates on to the next round of interviews with the CIT and the Elder Board. These interviews will be completed by March 7. We ask for your prayers as we seek to listen to God’s voice and trust his timing for our next LTP.

Blessings to you

Glen, Steve, Marlin, Al, Brad, Ron, Sanjeev, Sheldon, and Peter

Elder Extra Update – 02/09/2023

Dear Church,

C&B Vote:
Thank you for your participation in the review and affirmation process of the updated FBC Constitution and Bylaws.  The revised C&B passed with 95.1% yes votes.

LTP search: 
This week four men are being interviewed for Lead Teaching Pastor. Questions are being asked and answered. Notes are being written. Documents are being read. For each candidate, multiple sermons are being listened to by the entire congregant interview team and elders. Prayers for wisdom and clarity are on going. Thank you all for corporately praying for our church, our pastors and staff, our growing numbers of us all serving to fill ministry needs, for our newest members, the newly baptized, and the yet to know Jesus.

Thanks from the FBC elders.

ELDER EXTRA update for 01/19/23

Dear FBC Church Family

We are so thankful for all who make up the 1stB family/community. We are His church.

Brad Lauer, Lead Operations Pastor/Elder, recently reported that we’ve grown weekly/monthly in Sunday attendance over the last 18 months. This is very exciting as we worship our Lord and Savior with more voices. Youth group is steady and growing. Our missionaries are being cared for. Next week, the CIT and Elders will hear a presentation of Lead Teaching Pastor Candidate profiles followed by congregant and elder interviews in February.

AND, we are not waiting for the new LTP to arrive, the ministry continues. Our pastors and many others are giving of their time, talents, and treasure in and out of the church, camp, and campus houses. Our vision has not changed: to see tens of thousands from our church family (locally and globally) of all nations standing ready before Christ!  We continue to find ways to Live, Love, and Lead like Jesus in the children’s ministry, youth group, college group, men’s and women’s ministries, Renewal, 1stB Cares, Senior Life, Missions, and in Life Groups throughout the community.

Over the last three weeks, we’ve all had the opportunity to examine and review proposed changes/edits to the church Constitution and Bylaws. During our two Q&A review meetings, on the 8th and 15th, approximately thirty folks attended from our church family where they voiced their appreciation and/or heart-felt concerns.  We appreciate the hard questions and we hope the clarification provided, to certain sections, gave satisfactory context and rationale. Thank you for taking the time to read (fourteen pages!), review, prepare and participate in these meetings by asking questions and listening.

• There are two additional edits added today (1/17/23). See image below and/or click the links to the:

  • RED-letter copy (both edits found on page 9) or

  • CLEAN-copy (both edits found on page 8)

Elder Extra Update for 4/27/23

Hello Church Family,

Thank you to those that attended our “Elder Dessert and Discussion” in the gym last Sunday night!

Pallet Shelter Update

Many have asked the status of the pallet shelters that sit on our property. An update was shared at the Dessert, Discussion and Prayer with the Elders last Sunday evening. The county stopped funding on these shelters in June of 2022. In April of 2022 we began the process of looking for a new partner to help oversee, place families, and run a program to help families move from homelessness to finding permanent housing. We met with many organizations throughout our community. Gabe Poiechowicz and Everyone’s Village became the best option.  Everyone’s Village has the connections and relationships with the county to vet families, the infrastructure to implement programming and oversite, and a passion to partner with churches and other organizations to make the name of Jesus known. The struggle has been obtaining the correct type of insurance coverage that will give all parties the type of coverage needed. Gabe Poiechowicz and FBC searched through all their resources, no one would cover the type of insurance needed for this partnership to continue as we desired. With the blessing of all the elders, we have decided for the shelters to be moved to Everyone’s Village site so these shelters can be used to help individuals. However, we have both committed to seek other options for insurance as to bring the shelters back to FBC.

Please continue to pray for ways FBC can partner and lead in helping such families in crisis. Pray that insurance companies will develop plans that we can obtain to partner with others in ministry. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Brad Lauer
Lead Executive Pastor/Elder
bradl@fbceugene.com

Elder Extra Update for 4/20/23

Hello Church Family,

Don’t forget that this Sunday, April 23rd, you’re invited to another “Elder Dessert and Discussion” at 6 pm in the gym. We will have childcare available. So, after dinner, come join us for dessert and we will bring you up to speed on the topics the Elders and the Church are working on…Ministry Praise Report, Teaching Pastor Search, Finances and other topics. We will break out into small groups so you can have time to ask questions and pray with an Elder as well. Hope you all can make it!

Elder Extra Update for 4/13/23

Hello Church Family!

What an amazing Easter Celebration for our Risen King Jesus! Thanks to all who had a hand in the weekend of busy events! From our prayerful, acoustic, Good Friday service, to our Easter Egg-stravaganza, with over 700 people filling their easter baskets, having lunch and receiving and an inspirational message from our very own Pastor Dave Mertz! Sunday, we were blessed with over 1500 people attending our joyous Easter services. It’s such a blessing to see everyone’s smiles filling the Church halls again!

On that note, we want to invite you to another “Elder Dessert and Discussion” on Sunday, April 23 at 6 pm. We will have childcare available. So, after dinner, come join us for dessert and we will bring you up to speed on the topics the Elders and the Church are working on…Ministry Updates, Teaching Pastor Search, Finances and other topics. We will break out into small groups so you can have time to ask questions and pray with an Elder as well. Hope you all can make it!

Ron Ewert, Elder

Elder Extra Update for 4/6/23

Church Family,
 
Thank you for your continued generosity to the gospel mission of First B. Over the years, First B has given and given and given again to support missions, ministry, special projects, etc. Throughout Scripture, giving, tithing, and offerings are said to bring blessings of God and to show God our true heart. We give as an act of worship. So, thank you for giving sacrificially, especially during our time of transition and the anticipation of our future.
 
Currently as a church we are giving to 95% of our weekly budget needs. In other words, we are behind in our budget needs by almost $100,000. Please consider what God is leading you to give as your act of worship to Him each and every week. We have multiple ways of giving including the boxes around the worship center, mailing a check to the office, giving online by going to our website, and even text to give.
 
To set up on-line giving either for a one-time gift or a reoccurring gift follow the below directions:

1. Go to www.fbceugene.com
2. Click the  GIVE button and select DONATE
3. Select “Give to Gospel Work”
4. Fill out the form.

 
If you need any help in setting this up, please call the Church Office and ask for the Business Office.
 
“Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”  Proverbs 3:9-10
 
Growing Together,
 
Brad Lauer
Lead Executive Pastor

Elder Extra Update for 3/16/23

Hello Church!

We wanted to make you aware of a title change the board approved for our dear Lead Pastor, Brad Lauer. As you know, we are currently under a “dual-lead” model. When Brad was hired, his title was Lead Operations Pastor. In the past year, the board has concluded that Brad’s giftings extend far beyond budgets, human resources, and facilities. He has vast experience in ministry development and implementation as well as team leading and Church management.

We are now looking for another Co-Lead Pastor to join Pastor Brad. The elder board, who oversees the Lead Pastors, has changed Brad’s title to Lead Executive Pastor. Brad has done an amazing job leading our church through challenging times, has loved the staff well and has a passion for the Mission and Vision of our church. This won’t affect anything Brad is already actively doing, but it honors his giftings as a Co-Lead Pastor and clarifies to candidates seeking the Lead Teaching Pastor job who they will be working with.

Keep praying for the Search Team and Elders every day for the next Lead Teaching Pastor to join our team of dedicated and gifted pastors here at First B!

Thanks!
Ron Ewert, Elder

Elder Extra Edition for 3/9/23

Topic: Update on Search for the Lead Teaching Pastor

Dear Church,

There is cause for thanks and celebration. For 170 years, First B has enjoyed God’s blessing. We pursue our common vision to see tens of thousands of people from all nations come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Over the last six weeks, the women (5) and men (3) of the Congregant Interview Team and the congregant elders (8) completed the interview process starting with four candidates. Three of these men came from the west coast and one from the south. All four were initially interviewed, 45-90 minutes each, via zoom. After which, the CIT members provided their insights and observations to the EB during a joint four-hour meeting at the church.

Considering all the elder and CIT input, the elders invited three of the four men to a 2.5 hour, in-depth second zoom-interview. After accepting the invite, one man sent a very warm withdrawal letter stating that he and his wife felt that their current ministry work was not complete. The remaining two final candidates were interviewed last week. On Tuesday night there was another joint meeting of the elders and CIT. After this meeting, the Elders considered all that had been learned through research, sermon samples, interviews, ratings, rankings, and the sharp and wise observations of the CIT. The Elders have unanimously concluded to not move either candidate forward.

While we are disappointed that we don’t have our final candidate, we remain confident God will provide in His time. We are so thankful to these wonderful CIT servants who have invested more hours than we may ever know. We can all be very proud of their great work, insight, and prayerful wisdom. We are thankful for the collective prayer spoken in groups and classes on Sundays, in Life Groups weekly, and many individuals daily. Please continue praying and praising.

Looking ahead, we continue to be blessed by our Interim teaching pastor, Keith Potter. On Sunday, Lead Operations Pastor Brad Lauer extended the Right-hand of Fellowship with several more wonderful men and women who now call First B home. Our adult and children attendance continues to grow.  More and more members and attenders are finding areas to serve and be served. It’s beautiful.

The Board will meet soon to discuss next steps in our search process. There are options to consider including engaging a new search firm, refreshing the LTP position profile, and others.  Stay tuned for more updates on email and Sunday announcements. Feel free to reach out to an elder in the lobby with comments and questions and/or email elders@fbceugene.com.

Blessings,

Glen, Al, Steve, Marlin, Ron, Sanjeev, Peter, and Sheldon

Elder Extra Update – 02/23/2023

Hi Church Family,

Thank you for your prayers for our church, our staff, one another, and for those serving our body and community. Here is a quick update on our search for our next Lead Teaching Pastor (LTP).  The Congregant Interview Team (CIT) interviewed four candidates and the elders reviewed each of the recorded Zoom interviews. After discussion with the CIT, the elders have decided to move three of the candidates on to the next round of interviews with the CIT and the Elder Board. These interviews will be completed by March 7. We ask for your prayers as we seek to listen to God’s voice and trust his timing for our next LTP.

Blessings to you

Glen, Steve, Marlin, Al, Brad, Ron, Sanjeev, Sheldon, and Peter

Elder Extra Update – 02/09/2023

Dear Church,

C&B Vote:
Thank you for your participation in the review and affirmation process of the updated FBC Constitution and Bylaws.  The revised C&B passed with 95.1% yes votes.

LTP search: 
This week four men are being interviewed for Lead Teaching Pastor. Questions are being asked and answered. Notes are being written. Documents are being read. For each candidate, multiple sermons are being listened to by the entire congregant interview team and elders. Prayers for wisdom and clarity are on going. Thank you all for corporately praying for our church, our pastors and staff, our growing numbers of us all serving to fill ministry needs, for our newest members, the newly baptized, and the yet to know Jesus.

Thanks from the FBC elders.

ELDER EXTRA update for 01/19/23

Dear FBC Church Family

We are so thankful for all who make up the 1stB family/community. We are His church.

Brad Lauer, Lead Operations Pastor/Elder, recently reported that we’ve grown weekly/monthly in Sunday attendance over the last 18 months. This is very exciting as we worship our Lord and Savior with more voices. Youth group is steady and growing. Our missionaries are being cared for. Next week, the CIT and Elders will hear a presentation of Lead Teaching Pastor Candidate profiles followed by congregant and elder interviews in February.

AND, we are not waiting for the new LTP to arrive, the ministry continues. Our pastors and many others are giving of their time, talents, and treasure in and out of the church, camp, and campus houses. Our vision has not changed: to see tens of thousands from our church family (locally and globally) of all nations standing ready before Christ!  We continue to find ways to Live, Love, and Lead like Jesus in the children’s ministry, youth group, college group, men’s and women’s ministries, Renewal, 1stB Cares, Senior Life, Missions, and in Life Groups throughout the community.

Over the last three weeks, we’ve all had the opportunity to examine and review proposed changes/edits to the church Constitution and Bylaws. During our two Q&A review meetings, on the 8th and 15th, approximately thirty folks attended from our church family where they voiced their appreciation and/or heart-felt concerns.  We appreciate the hard questions and we hope the clarification provided, to certain sections, gave satisfactory context and rationale. Thank you for taking the time to read (fourteen pages!), review, prepare and participate in these meetings by asking questions and listening.

• There are two additional edits added today (1/17/23). See image below and/or click the links to the:

  • RED-letter copy (both edits found on page 9) or

  • CLEAN-copy (both edits found on page 8)