A Note from our Elders
On Sunday, May 17, Patrick announced that he has resigned from Oaks Church Brooklyn. Patrick joined our team as the Discipleship Pastor in August of 2020. He then stepped into the Lead Pastor position, taking on the large task of guiding our church through to the other side grieving over our church after COVID. His pastoral heart has loved and cared for this community over these six years.
Please read on to find out the ways that you can celebrate the Boatwrights, find out more information about our next steps as a church and process this news together as a community.
Encouragement for the Boatwrights
Over his tenure, both Patrick and Katherine played a large role in the life of our church. We encourage all that called Oaks home during their time with us to take a moment and bless them and their family. Please share any stories, memories and photos by July 8.
FAQs
When is Patrick stepping down as Lead Pastor of Oaks Church?
His final Sunday will be May 31.
Why is Patrick leaving?
Patrick has been discerning that his time at Oaks was reaching its last chapter. As he and the elders navigated this process, disagreements and broken trust led to a relational breakdown. With the trustees help, Patrick and the elder team agreed to this quick transition timeline.
There are no moral or ethical concerns involved, and we are grateful for the years Patrick served in this role.
What does this mean for our church?
We will continue to be Oaks Church Brooklyn. Our staff and elders are remaining the same, and our core values and beliefs are staying the same. We will be working with a consultant to assess our overall systems and structure, and will be in conversation with our Rooted Community members to ensure the health and care of this community.
In this period of time when we don’t have a Lead Pastor, who will lead the church?
The church will continue to be led by the staff and elders.
What is the timeline for interviewing candidates?
The opening will go live June 1. Interviews will begin as soon as we have candidates, and will continue until we believe we have found the right person to become our next Lead Pastor.
Who will make the final decision about who the next Lead Pastor will be?
We are an Elder led church and as such, the Elder Board (Liz Lee, Tina Khaitani, Rosey Odidi and Alessandra Thomas) will make the final decision about the next Lead Pastor based on what they believe is God’s leading and what is in the best interest of our community.
What will the role of the congregation be in the search for a new Lead Pastor?
A Pastor Profile will be created with the input of our elders, staff, Rooted Community, congregants and our consultant. A church-wide survey will also be sent out soon to gather the input of all congregants.
Next steps
Over the next several weeks, the staff and elders will be providing many ways to offer with our Rooted Community and the congregation as a whole. As we have dates for these gatherings, we will update this site.
We also invite you to join us in prayer. Beginning June 3, we will be praying together Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. over this transition. All are welcome to join us at the church.
If you have questions, wish to have a 1:1 with an elder or need further support during this time, we want to make sure we meet with you. Please click below.