NEDERLAND - The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, says that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (NIV version of the Bible). Calvary Chapel in Nederland is embracing a season of change. Pastor Doug Gibney and his wife Pat have retired after more than four decades of ministry at Calvary Chapel. 

In October the congregation bid the Gibneys farewell with a touching ceremony of goodbyes after a church service. Elders (leaders of the church) from the congregation talked about Pastor Gibney’s passion and how much he has loved and encouraged the people of Calvary. It was said that the church is here because of the effort, love, and sacrifice of Doug and Pat. One elder said, “You steered us through some deep water.”

On that day they were also celebrating Associate Pastor Tom Neal and his wife Debbie. Pastor Neal was also retiring from Calvary Chapel as associate pastor and as the accountant for the church. Pastor Neal is still the pastor at Jamestown Community Church.  

The expressions of genuine gratitude and sincere love for Pat and Doug Gibney and for Tom and Debbie Neal were on the faces and in the eyes and in the words of the people of Calvary Chapel that day. This was a celebration of friendship and, for the congregation, praising God for the blessing of their years together. 

Pastor Gibney addressed the congregation, saying, “The church does not owe us anything.” He told the  congregation to “Trust in the Lord, He will direct your path.”

The congregation took time to pray for the Gibneys and the new season they are in now. They also prayed for Calvary’s congregation during this time of transition. 

After the retirement service, both Doug and Pat Gibney said that they both believe that they were only instruments for God’s work. They are here to serve, they stressed. Pat expressed that she especially loved all the years working with the youth and children’s ministry. “It was sweet. My biggest blessings were working with the kids. Kids are the best teachers.” 

Pat spoke with great love for the Calvary congregation when she talked about the time their daughter died. “After losing our daughter, our pastors and elders rose up and took care of the church and of us.” The church came together during a time of sorrow. 

Pastor Gibney is very grateful to the people of Calvary, past and present. He thanks The Mountain-Ear for putting in that first ad to welcome people to their church and to Barbara Lawlor for all the articles she wrote about the church. He also knows he could not have performed any of his ministry without his wife, Pat. 

The Gibneys are not sure what they will do in retirement. They have moved “down the hill” and are seeing a lot more of their family these days. Their lives have had a clear purpose: minister to the people of Calvary Chapel and to anyone the Lord calls them to serve. Their lives have changed so much, and their purpose is not as clear as it once was. Pat says that they are on a new adventure.

Calvary Chapel has been preparing for this transition, knowing that the Gibneys would be retiring. Seth Baumhover grew up in Nederland and graduated from Nederland High School. He attended Calvary Chapel Bible College in California. Baumhover says that it has “happened naturally” for him to transition into the role of pastor. 

For several years he has served the church when he could by leading Sunday School, Bible studies, and then as associate pastor. Baumhover is now Calvary’s Senior Pastor. He feels called to this position and the work God has him doing.

Katie Baumhover, Seth’s wife, is also an integral part of the leadership team at Calvary. She leads Children’s Church, and Women’s Bible Study. 

Pastor Baumhover says that they are there to teach the Bible, and serve the community with the love of Christ. He wants everyone to know that all are welcome at Calvary Chapel. They are ready to share God’s love, salvation, and forgiveness to all. 

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, the light.” Calvary Chapel wants to be a light for the community. 

May this season of transition at Calvary Chapel be done with courage and patience. As Pastor Doug and Pat Gibney go on their next adventure, may they know that they have served with love and faithfulness and they will not be forgotten at Calvary or the Nederland community.  

To learn about Calvary Chapel go to https://calvarynederland.com/ or call 303-258-3502.