Transitions are an inevitable part of life, with bittersweet being the most appropriate word to describe many of them. While we are grateful for the fact that we love and serve a God who is steadfast and never-changing, we also embrace the truth that in our quest to become more like Jesus, God is constantly doing something new within us, and expanding his Kingdom through us.

2020 has been a year of change and transition for many, especially our friend and partner in ministry, Pastor Amber Jordan. It deeply grieved us to recently share news of ongoing challenges that have occurred in Craig & Amber’s marriage, even with intentional steps taken to pursue reconciliation and restoration, that lead to the decision of divorce. And yet, church family, you have gathered around the Jordan family with love, prayers, and tangible support in such a way that has been inspiring and so reflective of the type of community that CCF is.

In the weeks since that announcement, through prayer and godly counsel, Pastor Amber has determined that the time has come for her to transition from CCF and move to the Central Valley, to be closer to family and pursue a new chapter of life for her and her three girls. This move will also begin a new chapter of ministry as she has accepted a position on staff at a Foursquare Church in the Fresno area. There is no denying the call of God that is upon her life, and while it was inevitable that Pastor Amber would one day find her own place of leadership outside of CCF, none of us could have predicted the events of this year that have led to this moment. Her life and ministry have been deeply connected to the CCF family for 20+ years, and while we are saddened by the closing of her chapter with CCF and the Free Methodist Denomination, we also find peace and hope in knowing that Pastor Amber feels that this is the right move, at the right time.

We are committed to being an authentic community in Christ, which requires vulnerability in our joys and triumphs, while also our challenges and sorrows. We know this news will be difficult for some. Please know that our leadership team is available to connect and process this update with you if that would be helpful. You can reach out to us through info@ccflive.org or 909-945-5333.

Pastor Amber’s last day on staff will be Wednesday, September 30th and we are hopeful that with every exit God will bring an entrance. We have turned renewed attention to the search for a candidate to help lead the area of youth ministry, and are actively pursuing interim solutions until the right person is found. Pastor Amber has developed an incredible team of youth leaders who are well equipped to passionately love and lead our students during this time, but we covet your prayers as we search for the right person and strategy that is best suited to serve our students, parents, and youth leaders.

CCF family, we must not lose sight of Jesus, even as we face unexpected transitions. He is our Hope, our Joy, our Rock. Let us turn our eyes towards Him, even as we navigate this change, and truth that His good and perfect plan will be evident in the days to come.

Pastor Fraser Venter & the CCF Team

PASTOR AMBER JORDAN

Take a moment to read a personal letter from Pastor Amber to the CCF family.

How long have you been connected to CCF?
I started attending in 2000 and in 2001 I started volunteering youth department. I believed I was hired on staff in 2003.

What has your role looked like over the years?
Jr. High Director
Jr. High/Sr. High Youth Director
Life Stage Director
Youth Pastor
Assistant Pastor

What have you found most meaningful about being part of the CCF family?
I don’t even know how to answer this. I started attending at 24 years old. Almost my adulthood has unfolded here and with these people. In many ways, I grew up here. I had children here. I navigated all the challenges of life, family, finances, ministry, friendships, etc. Being a CCF’er has been part of my identity. Who I have been in this world. That has meant the world to me in ways I don’t have language for. People have loved me and cared for me. People taught me what it means to be a wife, mother, daughter, and friend. People have taught me what it means to love and be loved.

What are you excited about when it comes to the season ahead?
I am excited to see what God wants to do in other parts of his great big Kingdom and to have the opportunity to play any small part in it that I can. I am excited to see the ways in which the calling God has placed on my life is further developed and realized as this next adventure builds upon all that God has developed in me during my time at CCF. I am excited to see the ways that God will use this step of obedience to bring hope, healing, and greater levels of influence to our family and to many others, as God always does when we choose to obey. And I am super excited to be closer to more of my family.

Is there a scripture that you’ve been holding onto during this season of transitions?
Growing up I always hung on to Ephesians 3:20.

“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine…”

No matter what was happening in the world around me, or what I was facing, I could be assured that my God was infinitely bigger and able than anything I could imagine. A few years back when our dear friend Pastor Cam transitioned from CCF, he gave me a prophetic word…”Infinitely More” from The Passion Translation of Ephesians 3:20. I have carried that truth in my heart (and now on my arm tattoo) with me through every circumstance I have faced.

How can we be praying for you?
We are still working out all the details of moving so prayer for that would be great. New friends for the girls and the ability to stay connected with friends and family here in Rancho. Transition into a new school when schools go back live. That everything God has intended for us would come to fruition.

Click HERE to read Pastor Amber’s letter to Youth Parents

Click HERE to read Pastor Amber’s letter to the Youth Students