Exploring
TRINITY BIBLE CHURCH
A New Chapter
If you weren’t able to join us for service today, I want to share some significant and exciting news regarding our ongoing journey with Cedar Valley Church (CVC).
For months, we have been walking in obedience, asking the Lord to show us how we can best invest in a movement of disciples in both Cedar Falls and Waterloo. We’ve sensed God’s hand on this process, but as we’ve "stepped into the Jordan" (Joshua 3), the path has shifted in a way that we believe is a tremendous "win-win" for the Kingdom.
While we originally explored a formal merger, both church boards have agreed to move forward with a modified Kingdom Partnership. We will remain two independent churches, but with a shared mission and deep collaboration.
The most significant part of this shift involves Pastor Kalen. Through this process, it has become incredibly clear that God has placed a specific call on Kalen’s life for the city of Waterloo and for CVC. Our boards have agreed for Kalen to candidate for the Lead Pastor position at CVC. If they were to choose Kalen as their Lead Pastor, this would open up a beautiful door for our two churches to work together without the complexities of a merger.
It would allow us to:
For months, we have been walking in obedience, asking the Lord to show us how we can best invest in a movement of disciples in both Cedar Falls and Waterloo. We’ve sensed God’s hand on this process, but as we’ve "stepped into the Jordan" (Joshua 3), the path has shifted in a way that we believe is a tremendous "win-win" for the Kingdom.
While we originally explored a formal merger, both church boards have agreed to move forward with a modified Kingdom Partnership. We will remain two independent churches, but with a shared mission and deep collaboration.
The most significant part of this shift involves Pastor Kalen. Through this process, it has become incredibly clear that God has placed a specific call on Kalen’s life for the city of Waterloo and for CVC. Our boards have agreed for Kalen to candidate for the Lead Pastor position at CVC. If they were to choose Kalen as their Lead Pastor, this would open up a beautiful door for our two churches to work together without the complexities of a merger.
It would allow us to:
- Send Kalen and Emileigh Well: In the same way that Paul sent Onesimus in Philemon, we would be sending "our very heart" (Phlm 1:12) to support what God is doing across town.
- Join Them at CVC: We would invite those of you who feel a stir for Waterloo to consider joining Kalen. We would be looking for people willing to make an initial two-year commitment to serve and plant deep roots at CVC under Kalen's leadership.
- Grow a Kingdom Partnership: Trinity and CVC can share resources, collaborate, and partner more than ever before.
- Tonight, Mar 22 at 6p: Join us for a Prayer Night at CVC to lift up both congregations and show our support for CVC and for Kalen.
- Next Two Sundays (Mar 29 and Apr 5): Pastor Kalen will be preaching at CVC (including Easter Sunday). Come to their 10:30a service to show your support for Kalen and your love for our sister church.
- April 12th: There will be an official congregational vote on Kalen at CVC. We want to honor Cedar Valley’s autonomy as they navigate their pastoral search process. We will respect whatever they decide.
I'm convinced that this season of exploring a merger has not been wasted. Our heart for our sister church is bigger than ever, and our vision for the Great Commission in the Cedar Valley has grown significantly. Thank you for being a church that prays, listens to the Lord, and follows Him with open hands.
Your Shepherding Board in Christ,
Andy Conger, Graham Lytch, Ron Morlan, Alex Newmaster, Barry Plassman, Steve Riggs, and Peter Salmon
HAVE A QUESTION?
If you have a question for our Pastoral Staff or the Shepherding Board, you can submit it here and someone will respond within the week.