Dear Journey Church family,

Almost 19 years ago, my wife, Jen, and I, along with our family, moved to West Michigan to be part of an amazing adventure of being on mission with Journey Church. Now, in this next season of our lives, I will be stepping away as Executive Pastor of Journey Church and taking on a new position in an executive/next steps pastor role. As The Journey has communicated about the financial challenges a few times in the last several months, we anticipated this day coming. We believe this is the right move for Jen and me and for Journey Church to move forward on mission in the next season.

Our years at Journey Church have been filled with amazing experiences where we saw God work in so many ways and in the lives of so many people. We consider it a privilege and are so grateful for the many years, relationships, experiences, and growth we have experienced in our lives and in our church. We have stories that we will remember and tell for the rest of our lives about many of you and what you mean to us and what we’ve experienced together. Together, through the Network Team projects, we shared the love of God in practical ways all over our community. Through those teams and with connection nights, relationships were built where we took steps to follow Jesus and grow in our faith together. I loved the Beginnings Classes where we provided opportunities for people to explore Jesus, ask questions, and begin a relationship with Him. Through the Kenya Trips, we were able to help an orphanage and some local families in ways that brought a lasting impact. I felt so much encouragement over the years, seeing many of you who volunteered to serve and give of yourself for the mission. Baptisms were amazing. Each one represents a story of God transforming a heart and Jesus’ drawing people to Himself. The Sunday services together have been a celebration of Jesus and a place where people could connect with Him. But mostly, I’ll remember the thousands of conversations with so many of you about our mission of following Jesus together, taking steps of faith, and growing together. I consider it a privilege to have served as Executive Pastor at Journey and will forever be grateful for the opportunity.

My years at Journey have prepared me for my next role at Berean Church in Grand Rapids. The term “Berean” basically means to have the Bible be our source of truth to live by. The church is in a rebuilding season and looking to make a bigger impact for Jesus in the community. My leadership role there will be similar to what it’s been at Journey. This process has been long and has felt like a big step of faith for us, and there have been moments of uncertainty along the way. But I am excited to see what God will be doing in the years to come.

Sunday, May 17, will be my last Sunday at Journey Church. I will be sharing some thoughts and words of gratitude in the church service. Also, that day (May 17), during the JAC from 11:00-11:30 am and in the coming weeks…I hope to be able to say thanks to many of you and express to all of you my gratitude and the privilege it’s been to serve and lead at The Journey.

With Gratitude,

Mark Rhodes