Letter from the RPC Session

Members and Friends,

This past weekend we celebrated the ministry of Brad and Caroline Tubbesing. Through a legacy of pastoral care and loving relationships, their impact will be felt and appreciated for years to come. We will miss their warmth, hospitality, and the bright smiles of their children, Eliza, Adie, Jane, and JR. We are excited about their future ministry in the city of St. Louis, a place near and dear to their hearts. Please pray for their family’s transition.

As the Tubbesing’s turn to their new season, we must also turn to the new season ahead of us at Redeemer. During times of change, it is beneficial to look to scripture for encouragement and guidance. As he concludes his letter to the church in Galatia, the Apostle Paul has a straightforward but essential message — “keep up the good work”:

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)

What a tremendous encouragement to continue the church’s work, both to the outsider and each other, the very things we are thankful to do! As a Session, we encourage you to look to the one who has always sustained Redeemer’s ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Providing support for RPC’s ongoing ministries remains a priority in our new ministry season. Please read below for answers to some practical questions.

When will Redeemer hire a new Assistant Pastor of Congregational Life?

The Session believes that finding and extending a call to a full-time, permanent assistant pastor for Redeemer is something in which our next senior pastor should play a significant role. Therefore, Redeemer will not immediately hire a new assistant pastor. However, the Session is also aware that many vital responsibilities must continue during this transition period.

To fill some of these needs, the Session has invited Rev. Bryant McGee to serve Redeemer in a part-time, interim capacity during this transition. Beginning in mid-April, Rev. McGee will assist pastors Matt Beham and Victor Martinez in the leadership of our Sunday worship services. Rev. McGee has a Doctor of Ministry degree from Covenant Theological Seminary. He is an ordained Teaching Elder in the PCA with over 24 years of ministry experience, largely within the state of Texas. His warm pastoral presence will be a blessing to RPC. We are excited for you to meet him in mid-April. Please join us in giving thanks to God for Bryant.

What does this transition mean for other RPC ministries, pastors, and staff?

God has equipped us with wonderful pastors, elders, deacons, staff, and ministry volunteers who are excited to continue Redeemer’s mission and vision. To best serve Redeemer’s needs during this time, we are announcing the following temporary changes in responsibility:

Pastoral Care, Community Groups, and Membership

Pastor Martinez will continue leading us in mission and cultural engagement and will temporarily assume the role of congregational care pastor. With these responsibilities, Victor will expand his existing ministry of care and comfort to our congregation, including praying with us, leading our Shepherding Elders to care for us spiritually, and providing pastoral support for our community groups. Pastor Beham will continue leading us in areas of spiritual formation, serving as our primary preacher. He will also assume responsibility for our membership process. Both Victor and Matt are excited to support Redeemer in these new ways. They are joyfully committed to continuing their love and service to Redeemer during this season of pastoral transition.

Young Adults, Men’s Ministry, and Churchwide/Community Events

We are excited to announce that RPC members Morriss and Erin Hurt will lead our Young Adult ministry during this transition. The Hurts will come alongside a capable and dedicated team of young adult leaders as they support this vital ministry. Men’s ministry will continue to be led by Deacon Chip Nance and the men’s ministry team. RPC Executive Director/Ruling Elder Jeremy Whitley will provide leadership support for our churchwide/community events.

Will the Pulpit Committee now be searching for two pastors?

This transition does not affect the work of our Pulpit Committee, neither adding to nor changing the scope of their responsibilities. Their focus is on leading us to our next Senior Pastor in God’s timing, and their work continues. The Session asks the congregation to join us in praying that God continues to sustain our committee and their families and blesses their efforts.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of our pastors or ruling elders. We are excited for the future of ministry at Redeemer. As we navigate this transition together, please pray for our church and cling to our risen King:

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

In Christ,

The Session of Redeemer Presbyterian Church