Dear Century Baptist Church Family,
We are pleased to announce that Pastor Carl Sutter has accepted the call to become the Intentional Interim Lead Pastor (IILP) at Century Baptist Church. At this time, we do not have a start date, but that information will be shared as it is determined. God has blessed Century Baptist in so many ways throughout the years, and we joyfully anticipate how He will continue to work through our church in the months and years to come for His glory.
From Pastor Carl Sutter: “I’m excited to work and collaborate with you to discern God’s calling and direction and blessing for Century Baptist Church. May the Lord be glorified through our dedication and work together!”
As a part of our IILP contract with Vital Church Ministries, Century Baptist is required to provide housing and transportation for the selected Interim Pastor during their time of stay in Bismarck. This is a standard practice for such short-term positions, lasting between 12-24 months. IILPs often do not sell their homes or relocate permanently for these assignments.
The Search Committee is requesting assistance in preparing for Pastor Sutter’s housing and transportation needs now that he has accepted the position as our Intentional Interim Lead Pastor.
Housing Needs:
A fully furnished home or apartment. Ideally, a two-bedroom unit with a private entry and separation from adjacent tenants. Proximity to Century Baptist Church would be an added benefit, but is not mandatory. Century Baptist Church is prepared to reimburse any expenses incurred in providing such housing, as needed.
Transportation Needs:
A vehicle in good working condition for full-time use by Pastor Sutter during his time in Bismarck. Century Baptist Church is prepared to cover all costs associated with the vehicle, including maintenance, repairs, and insurance, either directly or through reimbursement.
If you have been blessed with either of these requests and feel lead to offer them for use, please contact Vaughn Rhodes at (701) 471-0362 or vaughnrhodes@gmail.com.
Thank You,
Lead Pastor Search Committee
VitalChurch Ministry Diagnostic Assessment
VitalChurch Ministry (VCM) exists to create pathways of hope and healing for churches in transition. This diagnostic assessment is a time for our church to pause, listen to one another, hear prayer-saturated counsel, and above all listen to God. It will provide both a mirror into the current reality within the church and a map forward for the future of the church. This process is guided by the Intentional Interim Lead Pastor, who works hand-in-hand with the leadership of the church to facilitate needed change to prepare the church for God’s preferred future.
Phase One—Online Questionnaire (available May 2-18)
ALL CBC attendees (members and non-members, age 18 and older) are encouraged to complete this questionnaire. Paper copies will be available at the Info Desk for those who cannot complete it online. Please return completed paper copies to the church office. Anonymity will be maintained no matter which option you choose. centurybaptist.org/pastorsearch
Phase Two—Input Session Interest Form (available May 2-9)
These one-on-one sessions will take place via phone or Zoom with a VCM team member. The desire for these sessions is to hear a person’s heart, and his/her story and experience of church life. If you are interested in participating in one of these sessions, either individually or as a couple, please fill out the interest form online or a paper copy from the Info Desk. The information you provide will be given to VCM, who will reach out to you to schedule a session. Participants will include all elders and paid staff, and a cross-section of the congregation, who will be selected from those who fill out the interest form. Please submit interest forms no later than Friday, May 9 to be considered for an input session. centurybaptist.org/pastorsearch
Phase Three—On-site Reporting
Reporting will take place with staff and elders on Saturday, June 21. On Sunday, June 22, the VCM team will provide an oral report with a Question & Response session to the congregation.
Phase Four—Final Written Report
This will come no later than 4 weeks after the oral report and will expound on the recommendations presented during the oral report. It will also include demographic information, and a compilation of the congregational survey and analysis of key factors that impact the spiritual growth and care of our people.
Lead Pastor Search Committee Members:
Pastor Jason DuPaul
Melanie Kost
Mike Pitkin
Charlie Young
Andrew Weixel
Andrew Delzer
Rachel Johnson
Barry Schumaier
Angie Gallagher
Vaughn Rhodes
Ryne Jungling