APNC Update

Over a year ago, the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) was appointed to find Central's Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Equipping Ministry. The congregation elected Renee Gerkens, Jack Hoskins, Mario Monopolis, Bev Pugsley, Vernon Strawhand, and Mark Vaselkiv to serve on the Committee.

We started meeting weekly in February 2004. Since that time, we have considered over 70 candidates for the position. In December 2004, Pastor John came to us with some exciting and unique news - he had spoken with George Antonakos to ask him if he would consider the Associate Pastor position at Central. George's response was positive.

We all recognized George's great skills and the impact on Central from his service as our Interim Pastor. But, the possibility of his return as the Associate raised many questions. How would he work with Pastor John? How would he manage working in a subordinate role? Was the job description too small for him? Were his credentials appropriate for the job? Why would he want to change his call from that of interim ministry? Despite these questions, the APNC recognized the tremendous possibilities for Central given George's leadership, experience, knowledge of, and love for this congregation. After much prayer and discussion, we decided to move forward cautiously.

First, Mark and Vernon met with George to discern his interest level. Satisfied with his response, the entire Committee met with George to conduct an initial interview. Although things were starting to come together, questions still remained. The Committee invited four respected leaders in the congregation to meet with us and share their thoughts about what George's return might mean to the congregation and to them personally. That meeting was very positive, but two common concerns were voiced: (1) the possibility that George's return might undermine Pastor John's leadership, and (2) the possible division that might occur as the congregation might gravitate toward John or George.

With this feedback, we proceeded. The next step was to have John and George visit the Samaritan Counseling Center in Lancaster to determine how they might work together at Central. Each was interviewed by a counselor, given a series of tests, and provided feedback about their individual styles. Then, both were brought together and given feedback about how their styles might affect their ability to work together. The tests were very positive, showing that both men are amazingly similar and that the differences they have would make them more effective as a team. The APNC received the written report and asked Ken Zeigler to review it with us. We were very encouraged with what we heard and saw.

John then met with George to review the "nuts and bolts" of the Associate Pastor position and to discuss how their individual roles could complement each other and serve the congregation most effectively. Prayer and scripture were a significant part of that five-hour meeting. Following their meeting, John reported his deep excitement to the Committee. The APNC then called George to hear his response, and he was equally excited about the possibility of returning to Central. At that point, we were confident that God was calling George to serve as Central's Associate Pastor.

We spent four months considering George for the position because we had to be absolutely certain that his return was God's will. We prayerfully considered every question and concern. Each time, God made it clear for us to keep the door open. We kept saying "no" until God said "yes."

Therefore, the APNC is pleased to unanimously present George Antonakos to you, the congregation, for your prayerful consideration.

[Due to the unique nature of George's potential return to Central, the APNC met with Session on March 28 and received their unanimous support of our selection.]

See also: NV: Introducing Our New Associate Pastor!

Note: The Congregation will vote on May 15, 2005 whether to extend this call to George Antonakos. A Presbytery meeting following will need to confirm this call, and we hope to have George to begin by the second week of July.