MB Seminary professor and Fresno Leadership Foundation Founder Jim Westgate is appointed as interim pastor for Northwest Church.
The search for an interim pastor at Northwest Church to continue the
dream of longtime pastor, Bufe Karraker has been completed. Jim
Westgate was appointed as the interim pastor last week while the church
board looks to permanently fill the pulpit and pastoral role of one of
the most visible leaders in this community, Bufe Karraker. Bufe passed
away recently from ongoing complications resulting from congestive
heart failure. On Sunday, Jim Westgate was introduced to the
congregation by Deacon Harold Penner. His message was on transitions
and their benefits. He will begin this assignment on April 1 and
continue until January 2002.
"No one can adequately take the place of Bufe," Pastor Westgate
states. "I am both humbled and honored to be a part of a transition
team of dedicated church and community members who have the same vision
Bufe had for Northwest church and this community." "We all loved Bufe,
but we all also recognize he never wanted Northwest to be 'the church
of Bufe' but rather 'the church Christ built and Bufe served.'"
Pastor Westgate brings to the Northwest Church leadership team a
wide variety of skills and community connections. He and his wife are
well known in the church. "My wife and family are my most important
personal assets. I would not do this without my wife's loving support.
I have had a heart transplant recently and am aware of my own limits."
Pastor Westgate has served as Director of the Fresno Leadership
Foundation, is an Associate Professor of Practical Theology at the
Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, and is also a longtime member of
Northwest Church. "I have had a chance to measure the pulse of the
community and examine the need for effective leaders to continue the
vision Bufe instilled in the Northwest community. I am honored to be a
player in equipping this generation to be effective church and
community leaders." "Bufe was a great model and mentor to leaders. Bufe
never quit! And if he were alive today he would tell his members to
never quit." Pastor Westgate has no illusions about the task ahead of
him. "Transitions can be a challenge but they also can be
transforming." Pastor Westgate was asked to be the Preaching Pastor
which includes preaching and pastoral care.
Pastor Westgate along with Gordon Donoho is leading a group from
Northwest Church on the "Journeys of Paul" in Turkey and Greece for
three weeks He will be returning to assume this position in April.
Contact Bruce Kinabrew for interviews: Director of Public Relations MB Seminary 251-8628 or 444-1188pg
Posted: March 06, 2001