Life of the Church - An Announcement from the Servant Leadership Council and Lead Pastor Aurelia Dávila Pratt
Dear friends,
After several months of reflection, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to roll off the pastoral staff as Lead Pastor of Peace. This may seem sudden or surprising, but I truly believe this is the perfect timing for both myself and the community.
For the last several years, my primary goal has been to set the church up for success beyond my leadership. I wanted this, not just for the future of the community, but for myself and my family. It has long been my dream to be able to attend the church I helped build and to experience being a part of the community in this way. I feel gratitude and excitement now, because I believe we have reached this moment.
We have an exceptional staff of pastors and volunteer leaders who are not only incredibly gifted, but who are committed and energized. They believe in the vision of this community. We are poised for incredible things to come because of them!
As for me, I’ve been describing myself as ten-years-tired ever since we hit that decade mark a few years ago. Now we are in our 13th year, and while I am nowhere near tired of church, I am weary from being the leader who creates it. I have helped lead us through the last three presidential elections, one pandemic, several location changes and many staff transitions and rhythm re-imaginings.
Now, I long to attend church with my family - or to decide to sleep in on a whim! I eagerly anticipate being generous with my time and resources as a part of the Body, just as many of our former Peace pastors have also done and continue to do.
On one hand, I grieve this change deeply. But on the other hand, I know it means I get to be a part of something super healthy: a faith community that encourages us to honor our imago Dei, listen to Spirit within us, and live as our most authentic selves. I am grateful for the permission Peace constantly gives all of us to embody these things.
I plan on staying in my role until the start of May and then using that final month to offer transitional support. As we look ahead together, I cannot stress how incredibly confident I am in our leadership and pastoral staff. They move in wisdom, love, and clarity. I know we are in good, steady hands because of this.
Again, I am so excited to continue to be a part of Peace in a new way. Thank you all for giving me the chance to experience my dream of simply attending alongside you, as part of this sacred community.
There will be more information from the Servant Leadership Council to come. Please know that you can reach out to leadership@peacewilco.com with any questions throughout this transition.
In so much gratitude for each of you,
Aurelia