Dear Wellspring family:

I want to inform you that I will be taking a sabbatical for the upcoming months of December and January.

A sabbatical is an extended leave from regular pastoral responsibilities for rest, renewal, and a fresh preparedness to serve and lead the Body. The plan would be for Pastor Rick and me to each take a two-month sabbatical every seven years, although plans are often adjusted. This, now my 21st year as your pastor, is my sabbatical year. Due to the extenuating circumstances of 2020 with Covid-19 and Pastor Kevin leaving, I have continued to delay taking the sabbatical.

However, Pastor Rick and I along with the elders feel that now is a good time for me to proceed with my sabbatical and to prepare for another significant season ahead. I am also timing this sabbatical with the final preparations and official opening of Pam’s coffee shop. It will give me great joy to fully and actively support her in both the coffee shop and launching a new presence in our community.

You are all aware of my call to the nations, and my propensity to travel. My last sabbatical was spent in Cyprus, which was my introduction to the rich fabric of Gateways Beyond, Jeff Collins, and all that has unfolded for me and for Wellspring in the last seven years. Now I am excited about the opportunity to remain here at home, and be able to fully support Pam in her endeavor. It is my hope and prayer that extended and concerted time spent in our local community will open doors of ministry and bring the same level of kingdom impact as my time in Cyprus.

I have a strong sense that this is the Lord’s appointed time. I am excited to see how he will use Pam’s venture way beyond good coffee (and it will be good coffee!) For me, activity is rejuvenating. I look forward to being busy in a very different way than usual. And I look forward to personal extended time with the Lord that will surround these busy days and months.

I am grateful that I have been able to be a steady and consistent presence for Wellspring over the last seven years. I thank the Lord for leading us through very rough waters. We are in a healthy place, and I believe we are positioned to step more significantly into a deeper expression of our call and vision. The Lord needs Wellspring to be all he’s calling us to be. I know that my role will be integral with that call, and I look forward to a significant refreshing and rejuvenating couple of months in preparation. The Lord tremendously prepared me in Cyprus to be able to lead through these past seven years. I put my trust in his preparation yet again.

Blessings,
Pastor Wes