Abundant Life Church

June 29, 2020

To Our Abundant Life Family,

We have missed gathering and worshipping with you in person these past several months. We understand that these are exceedingly difficult times and we are proud how the staff, volunteers and church body have continued to gather online, serve and support those in our church family and the community around us.

We are writing today to notify you that Jeremy Jernigan has submitted his resignation as Lead Pastor of Abundant Life Church. This decision was reached after several months of meetings, reflection, prayer, and the conclusion that this is best for Jeremy and our Abundant Life Family.

Going forward, the Elder Board will work with staff and leadership to develop an interim and eventual long-term plan to steward and grow the over 30-year foundation of Abundant Life as a lighthouse of God’s love and, truth and advocate for justice and mercy in this community.

We are unwaveringly committed to protecting the essential beliefs of the Church, the mission of Abundant Life Church remains:

“Giving ourselves to make the Gospel good news for others.”

And we continue to hold up John 10:10 as a guiding scripture:

“…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

We are very appreciative for the passion and service that Jeremy contributed over the past three years and we hope you join us in thanking him, and praying for him as he moves into a new season of service for God.

Most sincerely,
Your ALC Elder Board

July 11, 2020

Abundant Life Church Family,

This continues to be a difficult season for many, and we ask that you continue to join us in prayer and service to those in our church and community. With the resignation of our Lead Pastor Jeremy Jernigan, some questions have emerged regarding the circumstances around Jeremy’s resignation, the interim plan for teaching, church leadership, and the future of Abundant Life Church.

Over the past few months, individuals within our church including Elders, staff, and church family members raised serious concerns regarding church culture, staff culture, leadership accountability, theology, vision, and the direction of Abundant Life Church. To honor those concerns and the Biblical role of Eldership, the Elders and Pastor Jeremy held many special meetings and discussions in hopes of addressing, learning, and growing from this feedback. After several months of discussions, the Elder Board proposed instituting a time for the group to pause, reflect, and pray while discerning how to navigate these concerns. As part of this strategy, the Elder Board proposed a four-week break from teaching, blogging, and otherwise communicating to create space for the entire Elder Board to reflect, meet, and navigate the concerns raised. Shortly after the Elder imposed pause Jeremy declined to discuss any of these matters further with the Board and decided to submit a letter of resignation.

Please know our intention was not for Pastor Jeremy to resign but to work together. We were clear and intentional about moving forward and working together with Pastor Jeremy.

The Board did not silence Jeremy from addressing racial issues. As a church we are committed to living a life of love and humility as demonstrated by Jesus Christ; a love and humility that stands up, confronts, and dismantles social and racial injustices (Micah 6:8). We value diversity and want all to find a place of grace and peace at Abundant Life Church. Likewise, our church and its leadership continue to be a church that cares deeply for vulnerable and displaced people.

The Board is working together with the staff at Abundant Life Church to continue moving forward as we begin the process of identifying a new Lead Pastor. In September we are planning a church family meeting to discuss the current process and to give more information regarding the pastoral search. Our pastoral teaching team is planning our next message series and will continue to teach on weekends.

We ask that you join us in prayer for our staff, our church family, and our community. Our love for Jeremy remains and we desire the best for him. We ask that you pray for Jeremy and his family as they pursue this next chapter. We hope you will join with us to work together to fulfill our calling based on John 10:10. We believe God is going to show up in powerful ways and allow our church to be a lighthouse within our community.

If you wish to speak directly with an Elder or member of staff, please e-mail Leadership@alcpnw.com.

In Christ,

The Elder Board

WELCOME HOME

Our new normal

Recent Message

United Souls | Bob Timm

Stay connected all week long