The Southwest Voice

By: Kevin Morrison, Community Contributor

On Oct. 28, the Christ’s Church of the Valley congregation put an end to a two-year search for their new senior pastor. By an overwhelmingly decisive vote Michael Foutz of Newbern, Va. was accepted by the congregation, which erupted in applause and cheers upon the announcement.

Michael and his wife Jennifer, both 35, are excited to be a part of something special at CCV and all of Bakersfield. On fire for God, they followed His call to CCV where the search committee, elders and deacons were thrilled at the prospect of a new era under Michael’s leadership.

Some might scratch their heads at the idea of searching an entire two years to fill the position, but the church was intent on following the plan of God and not simply finding a quick fix. Resumes piled up. Interviews continued and many wonderful candidates were considered and prayed over. There are many good men of God out there and many of them would do a wonderful job, but the congregation wanted to put in place the one candidate who could step into the plan for CCV as God has it laid out.

God opened the door for Michael and Jennifer as well as the hearts of CCV with a place for them.

“We have been blown away by how friendly everyone has been and how much we have been welcomed already,” Foutz said. “We haven’t experienced anything like this!”

Michael is a dynamic and energizing speaker who has experienced the highs and lows of life like all of us. He wants to share with everyone the immeasurable joy of having a relationship with God. The excitement in his messages is highly contagious.  Jennifer, his high school sweetheart, is a wonderful teammate in his ministry and is as excited as Michael is to begin.

Scott Neese, worship director and home groups pastor, filled in exceedingly well for the two year transition and will now continue to use his amazing talents for worship and discipleship at CCV.

Michael and Jennifer plan to begin their transition to Bakersfield in November and are excited to begin. There is a buzz in the air at Christ’s Church of the Valley — the whole community is invited to come experience the excitement.  Visit www.ccvbak.org for more information on CCV and its ministries.

— Originally published in The Northwest Voice.

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