A new chapter has begun for Knollwood Baptist Church with the Jan. 11 vote to call Rev. Dr. Courtney Allen Crump as our next pastor. Anticipation is running high! What now and what next?
Read more about Rev. Dr. Courtney Allen Crump.
For Courtney, Josh, and Kennedy, the next weeks will focus on the transitions they are making from Richmond, Va., and Grace Baptist Church. They will give good care to work and relationships that are changing or winding down. Ending well prepares for beginning well. We know and honor that.
In the first few weeks of March, Dr. Crump will move into her new office at Knollwood as she and Josh also tend to all the logistical steps that go with moving their family to Winston-Salem. We will rejoice to have her in the pulpit on March 22 and for Holy Week and Easter, fully present as our pastor.
Such a timeline between a call date and start date is not unusual. For a little context, when Dr. Bob Setzer, Jr., was called as Knollwood’s fourth pastor in 2011, two months passed between call Sunday and Dr. Bob’s first Sunday in Knollwood’s pulpit.
Dr. Matt Cook will continue to proclaim the Gospel for us until Sunday, Feb. 1, and will contribute to staff leadership through February. Matt’s work with Knollwood has made us more vital and more stable. We are delighted to have him with us a bit longer.
Having a gap between an interim minister and new pastor is also not unusual and can bring benefits. For instance, in our last transition, Rev. Roger Underwood, our beloved interim, concluded his service several weeks before Dr. Setzer, Jr., began.
In early February and as we begin our Lenten journey, Knollwood will continue to flourish. The gifted leadership of staff ministers, the dedicated work of administrative staff, the steady involvement of lay leaders, and the inspiration of guest preachers will keep us strong. Together, we stand in God’s grace, listen for the Spirit, and continue seeking to be salt and light to one another and to the world in our time.
If you’d like to express your own welcome to Pastor Courtney and your own thanks to Matt Cook, feel free to send cards to them c/o Knollwood Baptist Church, 330 Knollwood St., Winston-Salem, NC 27104. We’ll make sure they’re delivered, even as locations and addresses are changing.
