It has been my delight to serve New Life Church for 36 years on staff. I have been the lead pastor since 1993. Initially, West Linn Baptist Church (now New Life Church) was a small, ordinary church with 23 parking spots.

My job has changed as we planted and closed a Robinwood congregation, planted a Wilsonville congregation, adopted Gladstone and Nueva Vida congregations, and most recently, planted an Oregon City congregation. Through all this, I have loved the church in West Linn and have enjoyed being their pastor.

The lead pastor job, however, has become increasingly involved, and the campus pastor job has demands similar to those of a normal congregation. Add the inevitable truth that I am no longer a young pastor, and it seems fitting to focus on only one of the jobs.

So, the West Linn Congregational Elders are planning and leading a careful and patient search for a new campus pastor for West Linn. That will enable me to continue as a lead pastor. It will also allow me to support that new person and do everything I can to ensure his success.

We will begin the formal communication at the Annual Budget and Elections meeting on December 8. The new budget includes this new position for the second half of 2025. The goal is to have a new campus pastor by September.

You may remember that we began this conversation a couple of years ago but abandoned it for financial reasons. Waiting has made this a better time for the change. Pastor Tim will transition into a part-time role on the first of March 2025. This will dovetail with the Campus Pastor change to ease some of the financial pressure on the church.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and support. If you have any feedback or want to speak into the process in any way, the West Linn Elders will shepherd it and welcome your input. I am happy to field any questions as well. And, as always, I desire to be... 

Faithfully yours,
Pastor Scott