Update from Pastor Ben & Rachel
Watch this update from our Pastors!
This summer, in an effort to honor what God set out as biblical rhythms of rest, renewal, and re-envisioning for leaders in his house, Pastors Ben and Rachel will be taking a planned sabbatical. This is a proactive step being taken to allow them to be refreshed and continue leading Joy Church for the long haul. We’re expectant for all God will do both in their family and in our church throughout this season.
As an integral part of Joy Church, we wanted you to hear this first. We’ll be sharing this announcement church-wide in May and will go into more detail at Serve Team Night on May 4. Watch the video and review the FAQs below for further explanation, as well as ways you can support our pastors and continue partnering with the mission of Joy Church during this time!
Sabbatical FAQs
Why take a sabbatical at all?
Scripture shows us a rhythm of both divine work and divine rest. Sabbath was never meant to be a luxury; it is a gift from God for leaders in his house, designed for renewal, dependence, and trust in Him.
What is a sabbatical?
A sabbatical is not an extended vacation. It is a set-apart season of intentional rest, spiritual renewal, and re-envisioning, a gift that must be stewarded with purpose and care.
Why is this important for us as pastors?
To continually pour into others, our own lives must remain full.
Think of it like a vessel, you can only pour out what has first been filled. This season allows our “well” to be refilled so we can continue to lead and love from a healthy place.
Are you burned out?
No, we are not. This is not a response to burnout; it is preventative care for long-term health and ministry sustainability.
Why now?
Pastor Ben has been pastoring in Joy Church for 15 years and, upon stepping into the role of Lead Pastor 9 years ago, the church board of elders set into motion a rhythm to take a sabbatical every 7-9 years. We are now within that window, and we feel Joy Church is in a place of great health; the church is strong, stable, and ready to continue thriving in this season.
What is the long-term vision behind this?
This sabbatical is about longevity. Our heart is to serve Joy Church for many years to come, and this is a step toward ensuring that happens in a healthy and sustainable way.
When is the sabbatical?
June 8th – September 8th
Who is leading the church?
Joy Church will continue to be led through a clear and established structure:
Pastor Charlie Endicott will oversee the Board of Elders and provide spiritual oversight.
Pastor Nichole Crowley will oversee operations and staffing, ensuring the day-to-day ministry continues with excellence.
Brittany Hardenbrook will oversee finance, stewarding the resources of the church with wisdom and integrity.
These are not new roles; these are existing functions with healthy teams and delegated authority already in place.
How will Pastoral Care continue?
Our Pastoral Care structure remains strong and active through the following leaders:
Board of Elders
Executive Team
Ministry Directors
Team Leaders
Life Group Leaders
Pastoral care happens in the context of relationships, through connection. Our hope is for everyone to receive the pastoral care they need. Here at Joy Church, that looks like being in a life group, serving on a team, and being known in the family.
Emergency Contact
For any urgent needs, you can reach out to:
hello@joychurchbend.com
Our team will ensure you are connected to the right person.
What about Sunday teaching?
We’ve intentionally planned the entire summer with both trusted and familiar voices from within Joy Church, along with leaders we know and trust who are aligned with our theology, culture, and mission.
This includes:
Travis Arnold, Professor at Portland Bible College – Teaching a two-part series in July
Gareth Gilpin, Lead Pastor at Abundant Life Church in Happy Valley, Oregon – preaching twice during the summer
Jacob Schmelzer, Lead Pastor at Joy Church Eugene – wrapping up our Week of Prayer in August
We’re genuinely excited for you to experience the strength and range of voices that will be speaking into our church during this season.
Will the church slow down?
Not at all. The mission continues. The ministry continues. Because we are the Body of Christ, and every one of us has a role to play as we move forward together.
What will you be doing during this time?
This season we will focus on:
Family connection
Meaningful time with close friends & family
Spiritual renewal and seeking the Lord for his heart for us personally and the future of Joy Church
Making intentional, extended times to be with the Lord and hear His voice
How can we support this season?
Pray
We would deeply value your prayers for rest, renewal, and a powerful season with the Lord for our family.
Honor the Space
We’ll be unplugging from phone and email and won’t be reachable during this time. This boundary helps make this season meaningful and effective.Be Faithful
We want to encourage you to continue to be:
-Faithful in prayer
-Faithful in gathering together
-Faithful in the tithe
-Faithful in the call and mission the Lord has for Joy Church.Stay on Mission
The Lord has called Joy Church to help people encounter Jesus and walk in a life-giving, joy-filled relationship with Him and His family. It takes all of us, walking together in unity and being led by His Spirit.
What happens when you return?
We’ll be back in September and are looking forward to stepping fully back into the life of the church. We look forward to reconnecting with the church family, celebrating all that God has done over the summer, and stepping into the next season together. We expect to return refreshed, renewed, and ready for what God is doing next, and we believe Joy Church will have continued to grow and strengthen during this time. This is a season for us all to continue living out our mission: to connect everyone in Central Oregon to a life-giving, joy-filled relationship with Jesus and His family.