Announcement from Pastor Steve Corp, Southern Hills Church

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Prov 3:5-6)

 Some Scriptures, like the one above, are easier to preach about than to live out. Sometimes the path we are called to is not the path of least resistance, yet we are called there anyway. 

 In late fall, an opportunity arose for me to interview with a church in Michigan. I took this opportunity, not because I wanted to go anywhere, but because I wanted to remain open to God’s movement. In fact, I accepted the invitation to interview thinking it would fall apart quickly because our family has never been happier here. It did not fall apart, but continued to move forward from one round of interviews to the next. All along, I was conflicted, fearful, and struggling to hear clearly in my times of prayer and discernment.

 After recently being offered the position and having a big decision to make, my fear and uncertainty in prayer and discernment moved to peace. This felt like an opportunity God was calling me to take. Therefore, I have accepted a job at the Heritage Church of Christ in Clawson, MI, and my family and I will be relocating in June. 

 A few things I want to make clear-

 First, there is absolutely nothing wrong here. I am not discontent with the Shepherds or the congregation. The Shepherds are not discontent with me. This decision is not about me escaping anything here, but rather about being called into a new season of ministry. 

 Second, Southern Hills will indeed go on without me. I have been here for 16 years, and have hopefully made an impact for the Kingdom. But God will provide and work in what might feel like unrest. And if you are a member, I implore you to intentionally stay and be a part of the solution and ease the transition to whatever is next for the congregation.

 Lastly, be kind to the Shepherds. There is no fault to be assigned to them in this change whatsoever. This will be a time of stress for them. Encourage them. Help them. Pray for them.

 My family is forever indebted to this church and community for your continued kindness, hospitality, and generosity during our time here. I treasure the relationships we have built, and hope to have many opportunities to share hugs, memories, tears, and goodbyes between now and June. 

 And I ask that you pray for us as we visit our new church this Sunday, brace ourselves for monumental changes, and prepare to leave behind a huge piece of our hearts here in Salem. Thank you in advance for your kindness and grace, and I pray God’s peace will cover this transition.

 Blessings,

Steve