Called to Prince of Peace

Transitions

On January 27th, the congregation of Prince of Peace Lutheran in Fayetteville, Georgia voted to extend me a call to become their pastor. I am excited to say yes to this call! The congregation is vibrant and healthy and I'm honored to join them as we continue to seek the Lord and make His name known. The call is somewhat unique. Initially, I will be the associate pastor. I will be working with Pastor Justin Kollmeyer who has faithfully served Prince of Peace for 30 years. After nearly a year of our shared ministry, I will take over as senior pastor as Pastor Kollmeyer steps into a well-deserved retirement and Pastor Emeritus status. The leadership of Prince of Peace has prayerfully and expertly determined this path and I am delighted that I will be joining them on this journey. Pastoral succession is a significant hurdle that faces the church. This method of transition is a newer approach. I am looking forward to navigating this path and providing insights to the larger church as we work hard to maintain the momentum of ministry at Prince of Peace.

Letter of Acceptance

Here is the letter of response I have shared with the congregation as I accepted their call.

To the Faithful People of Prince of Peace,

“Oh God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal Home.”

The first stanza of this great hymn of our faith speaks to the ever-present power and might of our great God. These faithful words remind us that the Lord remains the same forever and always. The one who formed order from the chaos of the deep in Genesis is the same who led Moses and the Israelites out of bondage and into the promised land. The Lord that gave strength to the cowering Gideon instilled courage into the shepherd boy, David. The Holy One who preserved a remnant of faithful prophets is the same one that raised up John to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. It is exceedingly Good News that the God who helped us in the past age is present with us in the current age. And that He awaits in the age to come, beckoning us into His future. This is the story of Jesus and His great love for you. And, it continues.

It is in light of this truth, and in full reliance upon the unending promise of Jesus’ presence and grace, that I humbly receive and accept your call to serve as your associate pastor and next senior pastor. The whole Ness family is thrilled and elated!

Thank you for your vote of trust in me and in that of the group of leaders who have faithfully lead Prince of Peace through the call process. It has been a joy and privilege to get to know them all and work with them in discerning this mutual call. It remains clear to me that this call to serve among you is the work of the Lord. I look forward to getting to know each of you and hearing more about your story and how Jesus is the common thread between all of our stories.

I am very excited to join you and continue the wonderful ministry that Jesus has been working among you. When I think of this, April seems really far away. I am anxious to join you and get started with you. And yet, I know that we have a lot to do here in Ohio between now and then. As we are preparing our house and preparing to say goodbye to friends and family, know that our hearts are excited and eager to begin this next chapter with you.

Rest assured I will remain in close contact with Pastor Kollmeyer, President William Ware, the staff, and the rest of the leadership as we continue to approach April. Please know that between now and then (and beyond), the whole Ness family will be holding Y'all in prayer.

In Christ and with Excitement!

Pastor Scott