Gene Maynard
Pastor
“I see more clearly than ever that I am on a spiritual adventure that has been lighting me up. That adventure is now taking my wife and me to a new mission near Glacier National Park to work with Oasis Rest International offering respite, rest, and renewal to depleted and wounded pastors, pastoral couples, and missionaries so they can return to their calling with joy and passion.” Gene Maynard
After 20 years of walking together, I want to share something important with you. On December 14, 2025, I will conclude my time as your pastor at Upper Room Community Church.
For the past two decades, I have carried a truth close to my heart: a pastor is not an owner, but a steward. I have been stewarding—caring for, tending to, praying over—this precious faith community we call Upper Room.
I know we sometimes hear people say, "I go to Pastor Smith's church." I understand the shorthand. It's easy. But it's also theologically tragic. Pastor Smith owns no church. No pastor owns a church—not the one who planted it, not the one who has been its only shepherd, not even one who has served for twenty years. The owner of every church is God alone. He is the true Owner, and in His kindness, He entrusts the stewardship of a specific community to a person for a season. And when the time comes, God appoints a new steward.
That is what is happening now at Upper Room.
The Apostle Paul described this beautifully in his first letter to the Corinthians: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:6). We are all simply servants with different tasks, working in the field that belongs to God. He is the one who brings life, growth, and fruitfulness.
New stewards are coming to Upper Room Community Church. They will introduce themselves here soon, and I trust you will welcome them with the same grace, generosity, and open hearts that you have shown me. Upper Room -- and Auburn and the Foothills community -- will be well served and loved by them as they lean into the calling to steward the mission that God is growing here.
Thank you for 20 years of letting me serve among you. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I leave with deep gratitude and with confidence that God's faithfulness to Upper Room will continue in beautiful and surprising ways.
With love and thanksgiving,
Gene Maynard
Our new pastoral team will share more about themselves and their vision for Upper Room in the coming weeks.
For the past two decades, I have carried a truth close to my heart: a pastor is not an owner, but a steward. I have been stewarding—caring for, tending to, praying over—this precious faith community we call Upper Room.
I know we sometimes hear people say, "I go to Pastor Smith's church." I understand the shorthand. It's easy. But it's also theologically tragic. Pastor Smith owns no church. No pastor owns a church—not the one who planted it, not the one who has been its only shepherd, not even one who has served for twenty years. The owner of every church is God alone. He is the true Owner, and in His kindness, He entrusts the stewardship of a specific community to a person for a season. And when the time comes, God appoints a new steward.
That is what is happening now at Upper Room.
The Apostle Paul described this beautifully in his first letter to the Corinthians: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:6). We are all simply servants with different tasks, working in the field that belongs to God. He is the one who brings life, growth, and fruitfulness.
New stewards are coming to Upper Room Community Church. They will introduce themselves here soon, and I trust you will welcome them with the same grace, generosity, and open hearts that you have shown me. Upper Room -- and Auburn and the Foothills community -- will be well served and loved by them as they lean into the calling to steward the mission that God is growing here.
Thank you for 20 years of letting me serve among you. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I leave with deep gratitude and with confidence that God's faithfulness to Upper Room will continue in beautiful and surprising ways.
With love and thanksgiving,
Gene Maynard
Our new pastoral team will share more about themselves and their vision for Upper Room in the coming weeks.