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A Fond Farewell to Dave Smith

 

Here is a note from Paul dave


Long before my return to The Chapel, Pastor Dave Smith's influence on our church had been positively felt. Dave's oversight of our Life Stages area, particularly over the youth department, has been very good and strong. As a member of our Leadership Team and leader among our ministry staff, Dave has helped give vision and direction. He was the catalyst for The Chapel's present Embrace Tomorrow initiative. Dave is a good friend and ministry colleague to many.  

Dave will be leaving The Chapel’s staff after many years of faithful service to join the staff of Willow Creek Church in the Chicago area. Few churches have affected the North American landscape of evangelicalism the way Willow Creek has over the last quarter century. Dave's heart for the unchurched and passion for the church to understand and reach its culture will make a very good fit. Dave's leadership skills and experiences will be utilized well as he is called upon to help lead one of Willow's church sites.  

We will miss Dave and Jen as we send them to pursue God's calling in this new area. We will miss Dave's spirit and joy and humor. We are grateful that we all serve the same King in the same kingdom work. And we will look forward to great reports as we hear how the Smiths are serving Christ and his church in the Chicago area.

Go with our blessing and prayers Dave. We will miss you.

--Paul

And, a note from Dave Smith


As it has been an absolute joy and honor to serve at The Chapel for the past 16 years, it became apparent two years ago that God was beginning to stir in my heart a new direction. Though I was unsure of where God was leading, I have recently experienced strong confirmation in my decision to accept an executive pastor position with Willow Creek Community Church at one of their regional sites in a growing, bedroom community of Chicago.

With our excitement growing towards this new venture, my family and I are deeply saddened to leave such an amazing church family, extraordinary friendships, and a city we were proud to call home. Despite the heartache of departing, we are confident that remaining faithful to God’s calling will be coupled with His peace, strength, and provision.

Above all, as we transition into this new ministry season, we are incredibly grateful.

  • Grateful for the guidance, shepherding, and patience of Pastor Paul Sartarelli and David Fletcher as I wrestled with next steps…
  • Grateful for the 15 years of mentoring, leadership, and friendship of Pastor Larson…
  • Grateful for the amazing staff that I had the privilege of serving with each day…
  • Grateful for Akron and the many relationships formed over the years…
  • Grateful for the unique opportunity to be a part of God’s redemptive mission to Northeast Ohio and the world…

Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you all these years, and excited to see how God will continue to use The Chapel as a beacon of truth and love within the region.

--Dave & Family (Jen, Conner, Cameron, Riley, Lucy, and “The Twins”)

In conclusion


Dave has been a delight to work with in this last year and what a legacy of 16 years he has established here at The Chapel. He is an amazingly gifted catalyst. Some details for you to know:

  • Dave will be with us until mid-August. His family needs to be in Chicagoland so they can enroll their kids in school by the third week of August.  
  • We are working with him and Willow Creek to help ensure that he doesn't miss a day of pay or insurance benefits.
  • We will have a congregational farewell party on August 1, 10:00am and 11:40am at Akron Campus. Please come as the Smiths are going to their next assignment in God's vineyard.

Many other items are being worked on. We want everyone to know that God is in this, that we will miss Dave and that we are excited for God's adventure for him.

--David Fletcher