Church Council Updates

Pastoral Transition:  Butler is currently in the midst of a pastoral transition. Pastor Scott concluded his ministry at the end of June 2025 as Lead Pastor. The Church Council together with interim pastoral leadership is leading the transition process.

 Next Steps

This pastoral transition is intertwined with our current vision process. The Vision Team has met with the Council and for review of the consultant's report. The Council is processing this with Butler leaders. (see Vision Updates)

The Council is meeting more frequently to process next steps, and is working together with the leadership of our Common Ground congregation. Common Ground has held a congregational meeting and the CG leadership team is at work. 

The Council has appointed Jim Holm as provisional interim pastor for July & August. The interim Pastor Search Team and the Council have recommended Ron Herms as the candidate for interim Lead Pastor. Pastor Ron will be meeting with the congregations and staff prior to a formal church business meeting.  

Our Butler family is encouraged to continued prayer for the church and for our Council & pastors through this transition.

updated 7/12/25

Church Business Meeting - August 10
An all-church meeting will take place following our combined service. The Church Council brings the following recommendations:
  1. Affirm Rosalie Carter to fill the current Council Treasurer position (at least through 2025).
  2. Approve to hire a single Interim Lead Pastor position which will include responsibilities to Common Ground. (Updated job description below)
  3. Approve an amended budget with the new salary for the position. (See agenda packet for budget info)
  4. Affirm Ronald Herms as interim Lead Pastor. (Ballot vote required per our bylaws)


Recommendations & Info Packet
Interim Pastor Search Process
Our team consisted of (at least) one representative from each of our four congregations in addition to two Council members.  If you have questions about the process, or about the Interim Lead Pastor, contact your congregational representative or a Council member.
  • Juanita Aguilar (AyF)
  • Phanh Sivongsay (AG)
  • Melissa Ens (CG)
  • Steve Slattery (FC)
  • Kao Saelee (Council)
  • Connie Nicholson (Council)
  • Harold Ens (facilitator & non-voting member, CG)

Update:  The search team has contacted possible candidates and met with a potential Interim Lead Pastor. A recommendation was presented, and the Council has put forward Ron Herms as the candidate for interim lead pastor. A Church Business Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, August 10.

About Ron Herms

Ron Herms is a community advocate, public speaker, scholar, teaching pastor, and writer who has served in leadership roles over 3 decades. He is being invited to candidate as interim pastor at Butler Church to fill the lead pastor and Common Ground congregational pastor roles during this transition. Read more about Ron and these roles in the links below.

Church Council 2025:
  • Matt Jacobs - Moderator
  • Roy Klassen - Vice Moderator
  • (TBA)  - Treasurer
  • Shelly Coleman - Secretary
  • Scott Holman - Lead Pastor & Common Ground congregational pastor
  • Christina Lumeya - Common Ground rep
  • Connie Nicholson, Pastor, Faith Community congregation
  • Anne Guenther - Faith Community rep
  • Elbio Carballo - Pastor, Amor y Fe congregation
  • (TBA) Amor y Fe representative
  • Chansamone  Khoutsavanh - Asian Grace representative
  • Nixon Khoutsanah - pastoral representative, Asian Grace congregation

The Church Council generally meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month, but has been meeting more frequently during this transition. Their next meeting is scheduled for:

Thursday, July 17

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