Honey Creek Board Update
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Dear Honey Creek Family,
If you were unable to attend our Business Meeting in May, we wanted to share some exciting updates about what God is doing in the life of Honey Creek Church.
Over the past months, our leadership team has been seeking the Lord's direction through prayer, conversation, and discernment. As we've asked God where He is leading us and what He desires for our future, we have sensed His hand guiding us. While seasons of change can sometimes bring uncertainty, we believe God is inviting us to see this moment through a different lens.
We Are in a Season of Transformation
Many churches experience seasons of transition, but we believe God is calling Honey Creek into something deeper— transformation.
Transformation happens when God shapes hearts, strengthens faith, renews vision, and prepares His people for what lies ahead. It is more than simply moving from one chapter to the next. It is allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us so that we become more like Christ and more aligned with His mission.
Before God changes what we do, He often changes who we are. So, as we look toward the future, we're asking, "Who is God calling us to become?"
We believe He is preparing Honey Creek to be a church where we are seeing daily transformation individually and as a community of believers. A church where people are continually connecting with Jesus, growing in their faith, and going into the world to make a difference. A church that reflects Christ more clearly, loves more deeply, and lives out His mission more faithfully than ever before.
A Renewed Focus on Prayer
Throughout Scripture, every significant movement of God began with His people seeking Him in prayer.
The early church prayed before Pentecost. Nehemiah prayed before rebuilding. Jesus prayed before every major moment of ministry. Prayer has always been the foundation upon which God builds His work.
As we step into this season, we believe God is calling Honey Creek to become a praying church in fresh and powerful ways.
What might happen if every ministry, every family, every small group, and every individual committed to seeking God more intentionally? We believe prayer will not simply be something we do—it will become the atmosphere in which we live, serve, and grow together. To that end, be watching for regular worship/prayer nights in the coming months.
A Renewed Focus on Serving and Commitment
God never intended for His people to simply attend church. Each person has been uniquely gifted by God to contribute to His kingdom. When we serve together, encourage one another, and invest our gifts in ministry, the entire body grows stronger.
This season presents an incredible opportunity for all of us to ask: "How is God calling me to engage more deeply?”
Whether serving children, students, men, women, worship, hospitality, study groups, missions, or behind the scenes, every act of service matters. God uses willing hearts to accomplish extraordinary things. Together, we can build a church that reflects Christ's love and reaches our community and world in meaningful ways.
Our Best Days Are Ahead
As we look toward the future, we are filled with anticipation. We have seen God's faithfulness throughout Honey Creek's history, and we believe He is writing another beautiful chapter in our story.
This is not a time to sit on the sidelines. It is a time to lean in. A time to pray boldly. A time to serve faithfully. A time to commit wholeheartedly to what God is doing among us.
We are in this together, and we invite you to join us with excitement, expectation, and faith. As we pursue transformation, deepen our commitment to prayer, and invest ourselves in serving God's kingdom, we believe He will do more than we could ask or imagine.
Thank you for being part of the Honey Creek family. We are grateful for each one of you and excited to see how God will continue to work in and through our church.
The future is bright because of who our God is.
Grateful for you,
Honey Creek Pastors & Board
If you were unable to attend our Business Meeting in May, we wanted to share some exciting updates about what God is doing in the life of Honey Creek Church.
Over the past months, our leadership team has been seeking the Lord's direction through prayer, conversation, and discernment. As we've asked God where He is leading us and what He desires for our future, we have sensed His hand guiding us. While seasons of change can sometimes bring uncertainty, we believe God is inviting us to see this moment through a different lens.
We Are in a Season of Transformation
Many churches experience seasons of transition, but we believe God is calling Honey Creek into something deeper— transformation.
Transformation happens when God shapes hearts, strengthens faith, renews vision, and prepares His people for what lies ahead. It is more than simply moving from one chapter to the next. It is allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us so that we become more like Christ and more aligned with His mission.
Before God changes what we do, He often changes who we are. So, as we look toward the future, we're asking, "Who is God calling us to become?"
We believe He is preparing Honey Creek to be a church where we are seeing daily transformation individually and as a community of believers. A church where people are continually connecting with Jesus, growing in their faith, and going into the world to make a difference. A church that reflects Christ more clearly, loves more deeply, and lives out His mission more faithfully than ever before.
A Renewed Focus on Prayer
Throughout Scripture, every significant movement of God began with His people seeking Him in prayer.
The early church prayed before Pentecost. Nehemiah prayed before rebuilding. Jesus prayed before every major moment of ministry. Prayer has always been the foundation upon which God builds His work.
As we step into this season, we believe God is calling Honey Creek to become a praying church in fresh and powerful ways.
What might happen if every ministry, every family, every small group, and every individual committed to seeking God more intentionally? We believe prayer will not simply be something we do—it will become the atmosphere in which we live, serve, and grow together. To that end, be watching for regular worship/prayer nights in the coming months.
A Renewed Focus on Serving and Commitment
God never intended for His people to simply attend church. Each person has been uniquely gifted by God to contribute to His kingdom. When we serve together, encourage one another, and invest our gifts in ministry, the entire body grows stronger.
This season presents an incredible opportunity for all of us to ask: "How is God calling me to engage more deeply?”
Whether serving children, students, men, women, worship, hospitality, study groups, missions, or behind the scenes, every act of service matters. God uses willing hearts to accomplish extraordinary things. Together, we can build a church that reflects Christ's love and reaches our community and world in meaningful ways.
Our Best Days Are Ahead
As we look toward the future, we are filled with anticipation. We have seen God's faithfulness throughout Honey Creek's history, and we believe He is writing another beautiful chapter in our story.
This is not a time to sit on the sidelines. It is a time to lean in. A time to pray boldly. A time to serve faithfully. A time to commit wholeheartedly to what God is doing among us.
We are in this together, and we invite you to join us with excitement, expectation, and faith. As we pursue transformation, deepen our commitment to prayer, and invest ourselves in serving God's kingdom, we believe He will do more than we could ask or imagine.
Thank you for being part of the Honey Creek family. We are grateful for each one of you and excited to see how God will continue to work in and through our church.
The future is bright because of who our God is.
Grateful for you,
Honey Creek Pastors & Board
Saturday, April 10, 2026
Dear Honey Creek Church,
We want to keep you updated during this season of transition in our church as we continue the pastoral search. We begin with grateful hearts, recognizing how faithfully God has been providing for us with gifted and faithful pastors to fill our pulpit.While we have received some resumes, at this time we have not identified a candidate who clearly fits the current needs of our church.
We ask that you continue to pray earnestly for wisdom and discernment as we seek the person God is preparing for Honey Creek Church. We are planning another corporate Prayer Night for April 27 for just one hour, 7:00-8:00pm and we hope you will join us.
We know that God is already working behind the scenes and will bring us the person that He has in mind for us at just the right time.
Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayers, and your trust in the Lord during this season. We know without a doubt that God has very good plans for Honey Creek’s future!
Honey Creek Board
We want to keep you updated during this season of transition in our church as we continue the pastoral search. We begin with grateful hearts, recognizing how faithfully God has been providing for us with gifted and faithful pastors to fill our pulpit.While we have received some resumes, at this time we have not identified a candidate who clearly fits the current needs of our church.
We ask that you continue to pray earnestly for wisdom and discernment as we seek the person God is preparing for Honey Creek Church. We are planning another corporate Prayer Night for April 27 for just one hour, 7:00-8:00pm and we hope you will join us.
We know that God is already working behind the scenes and will bring us the person that He has in mind for us at just the right time.
Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayers, and your trust in the Lord during this season. We know without a doubt that God has very good plans for Honey Creek’s future!
Honey Creek Board
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Dear Honey Creek Church,
We want to start by thanking Pastor Dave Ford for being willing to jump in on such short notice and help us over the last several weeks. It would be hard to find anyone who is warmer or more exuberantly loving toward every person he encounters than Dave. We will always be grateful. Thank you, Dave.
Having said that, we want to give you the latest update on what is currently happening. The Board met this past week to prayerfully assess our needs as a church during this transitional season. We also met with our amazing staff to share our hearts and to listen to what was on theirs. Through those conversations, we came to the conclusion that our needs moving forward in this unusual season of change are different from what Pastor Dave is able to provide at this time.
This also works well for him, as he made us aware that his wife, Lori, is currently scheduled to undergo back surgery, and Dave will need to be all hands on deck to care for her during that time.
As we have said many times, and as we know from Scripture, we are a BODY, and no one individual, other than Jesus Himself, is the CENTER of His church. As we enter the process of discerning who God will bring, in His good time, to fill the role of Lead Pastor at Honey Creek Church, we ask that you pray with us continually, sincerely, and in earnest. Pray that we would see with full clarity the person God already has in mind for Honey Creek Church.
As always, we will keep you updated on all developments throughout this journey.
We are extremely grateful that God continues to meet our needs as we wait on Him in faith, trusting in His goodness and His guidance every step of the way.
Honey Creek Board
We want to start by thanking Pastor Dave Ford for being willing to jump in on such short notice and help us over the last several weeks. It would be hard to find anyone who is warmer or more exuberantly loving toward every person he encounters than Dave. We will always be grateful. Thank you, Dave.
Having said that, we want to give you the latest update on what is currently happening. The Board met this past week to prayerfully assess our needs as a church during this transitional season. We also met with our amazing staff to share our hearts and to listen to what was on theirs. Through those conversations, we came to the conclusion that our needs moving forward in this unusual season of change are different from what Pastor Dave is able to provide at this time.
This also works well for him, as he made us aware that his wife, Lori, is currently scheduled to undergo back surgery, and Dave will need to be all hands on deck to care for her during that time.
As we have said many times, and as we know from Scripture, we are a BODY, and no one individual, other than Jesus Himself, is the CENTER of His church. As we enter the process of discerning who God will bring, in His good time, to fill the role of Lead Pastor at Honey Creek Church, we ask that you pray with us continually, sincerely, and in earnest. Pray that we would see with full clarity the person God already has in mind for Honey Creek Church.
As always, we will keep you updated on all developments throughout this journey.
We are extremely grateful that God continues to meet our needs as we wait on Him in faith, trusting in His goodness and His guidance every step of the way.
Honey Creek Board
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Dear Honey Creek Church,
We would love for you to join us this Sunday, December 7 2025, at 10am for a board update. During this time we will share important details about what is coming up and the surprising way God is leading us forward.
We would love for you all to be there as we share what God is placing on our hearts.
Thank you for being part of our Honey Creek family. We cannot wait to see you this weekend.
Honey Creek Board
We would love for you to join us this Sunday, December 7 2025, at 10am for a board update. During this time we will share important details about what is coming up and the surprising way God is leading us forward.
We would love for you all to be there as we share what God is placing on our hearts.
Thank you for being part of our Honey Creek family. We cannot wait to see you this weekend.
Honey Creek Board
Letter from Honey Creek Board
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Dear Honey Creek Church,
We know that many of you are experiencing a mix of thoughts and emotions right now, and that’s completely natural. Pastor Nate has had a tremendous impact on so many of us during his time here at Honey Creek Church. He has served faithfully, led with integrity, and given of himself wholeheartedly to this church family.
We thank God for every sermon preached, every prayer prayed, and every person he has touched along the way. Through his leadership, lives have been changed, faith has been strengthened, and our church has grown in ways that will last far beyond this season.
We also believe that when God calls, He calls us forward. We are confident that God is leading Pastor Nate into a new chapter of ministry, one that continues His good work in Nate’s life, his family, and his calling. While it’s never easy to say goodbye, we know he is stepping into something God has appointed and anointed him to do. Because of that, we can celebrate with joy and peace, knowing it will be good.
Pastor Nate, we love you, we bless you, and we will always be cheering you on. Thank you for all you’ve poured into Honey Creek Church over the past six years.
As a church, we are also stepping into a new season that is filled with opportunity, faith, and growth. We aren’t losing direction; we are moving forward together, following where God leads and trusting what He will continue to do in and through us. God has not been silent. He has been leading, preparing, and positioning us for even greater impact.
We’ve seen time and again how God brings gifted and passionate people to this place, often in unexpected ways. We believe this next season will be no different. God is leading both Pastor Nate and Honey Creek Church into a new chapter of fruitfulness, and we trust His timing completely.
Pastor Nate’s final Sunday at Honey Creek Church will be November 30th. On that day, we’ll celebrate and honor the Dieckman family with a cake and coffee reception following the morning service, and everyone is invited.
We’ll also be collecting notes and cards of appreciation to present to the Dieckmans during their farewell celebration. You can drop your card or note in the basket in the foyer or share your love and encouragement with them personally over the next couple of weeks.
We know you may have questions about what’s next, and we want you to know we’ll keep you updated and informed. You’ll hear from us through weekly Sunday announcements, church-wide emails, our newsletter, and the website.
In the meantime, we ask you to pray—
With deepest appreciation,
Honey Creek Board
We know that many of you are experiencing a mix of thoughts and emotions right now, and that’s completely natural. Pastor Nate has had a tremendous impact on so many of us during his time here at Honey Creek Church. He has served faithfully, led with integrity, and given of himself wholeheartedly to this church family.
We thank God for every sermon preached, every prayer prayed, and every person he has touched along the way. Through his leadership, lives have been changed, faith has been strengthened, and our church has grown in ways that will last far beyond this season.
We also believe that when God calls, He calls us forward. We are confident that God is leading Pastor Nate into a new chapter of ministry, one that continues His good work in Nate’s life, his family, and his calling. While it’s never easy to say goodbye, we know he is stepping into something God has appointed and anointed him to do. Because of that, we can celebrate with joy and peace, knowing it will be good.
Pastor Nate, we love you, we bless you, and we will always be cheering you on. Thank you for all you’ve poured into Honey Creek Church over the past six years.
As a church, we are also stepping into a new season that is filled with opportunity, faith, and growth. We aren’t losing direction; we are moving forward together, following where God leads and trusting what He will continue to do in and through us. God has not been silent. He has been leading, preparing, and positioning us for even greater impact.
We’ve seen time and again how God brings gifted and passionate people to this place, often in unexpected ways. We believe this next season will be no different. God is leading both Pastor Nate and Honey Creek Church into a new chapter of fruitfulness, and we trust His timing completely.
Pastor Nate’s final Sunday at Honey Creek Church will be November 30th. On that day, we’ll celebrate and honor the Dieckman family with a cake and coffee reception following the morning service, and everyone is invited.
We’ll also be collecting notes and cards of appreciation to present to the Dieckmans during their farewell celebration. You can drop your card or note in the basket in the foyer or share your love and encouragement with them personally over the next couple of weeks.
We know you may have questions about what’s next, and we want you to know we’ll keep you updated and informed. You’ll hear from us through weekly Sunday announcements, church-wide emails, our newsletter, and the website.
In the meantime, we ask you to pray—
- For Pastor Nate, Rachel, and baby Aubrey as they step into this new chapter.
- For continued blessing over every ministry and person here at Honey Creek Church.
- For our board, staff, and leaders to hear clearly from God and move in unity as we walk forward into what He has next.
With deepest appreciation,
Honey Creek Board
Letter from Pastor Nate
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Dear Honey Creek Family,
First, I want to thank you so much for all the love, support, and prayers. Not only over the last six years, but in the last few weeks as Rachel and I have transitioned into parenthood.
As we anticipated our family growing, Rachel and I had taken time to ask God what He has for us, where He is leading us, and surrendered ourselves to whatever He wants for our family. While this is a prayer and heart posture we all should aim to have everyday, life transitions can provide different perspectives, headspace, and opportunities to be sensitive to His leading.
As we sought God, we found Him stirring our hearts; leading, prompting,
nudging, and ultimately inviting us into a new season. God has opened the door to an opportunity that after much consideration, prayer, conversation, and counsel, we decided to step out in faith, and follow.
Starting in December, I will be beginning a new ministry opportunity as a Campus Pastor at a local multi-site church here in Milwaukee. My last Sunday at Honey Creek Church will be November 30th. Rachel and I hope to see as many of you as possible at church over the next few weeks to say our farewells.
I’m so thankful for the nearly six years spent at Honey Creek Church. We’ve seen God do some incredible things in our lives and through our lives; in our church and through our church. Rachel and I have been so supported, encouraged, and loved during our time. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to pastor, lead, serve, grow, and do ministry alongside you.
I have no doubt that Honey Creek will continue to be used mightily by God to lead people into an authentic, life changing relationship with Him. I am confident of the strength, unity, and purpose of this body of believers. I’m reminded and encouraged by Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:18 “But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.” Honey Creek Church is positioned, fashioned, and equipped just where God wants it, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in the season ahead.
With Love,
Nate, Rachel, and Aubrey Dieckman
First, I want to thank you so much for all the love, support, and prayers. Not only over the last six years, but in the last few weeks as Rachel and I have transitioned into parenthood.
As we anticipated our family growing, Rachel and I had taken time to ask God what He has for us, where He is leading us, and surrendered ourselves to whatever He wants for our family. While this is a prayer and heart posture we all should aim to have everyday, life transitions can provide different perspectives, headspace, and opportunities to be sensitive to His leading.
As we sought God, we found Him stirring our hearts; leading, prompting,
nudging, and ultimately inviting us into a new season. God has opened the door to an opportunity that after much consideration, prayer, conversation, and counsel, we decided to step out in faith, and follow.
Starting in December, I will be beginning a new ministry opportunity as a Campus Pastor at a local multi-site church here in Milwaukee. My last Sunday at Honey Creek Church will be November 30th. Rachel and I hope to see as many of you as possible at church over the next few weeks to say our farewells.
I’m so thankful for the nearly six years spent at Honey Creek Church. We’ve seen God do some incredible things in our lives and through our lives; in our church and through our church. Rachel and I have been so supported, encouraged, and loved during our time. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to pastor, lead, serve, grow, and do ministry alongside you.
I have no doubt that Honey Creek will continue to be used mightily by God to lead people into an authentic, life changing relationship with Him. I am confident of the strength, unity, and purpose of this body of believers. I’m reminded and encouraged by Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:18 “But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.” Honey Creek Church is positioned, fashioned, and equipped just where God wants it, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in the season ahead.
With Love,
Nate, Rachel, and Aubrey Dieckman
Q&A
Q: What’s happening?
After much prayer and consideration, Pastor Nate and Rachel have accepted a new pastoral position at another church. An opportunity opened that clearly aligned with God’s leading and their next season of ministry, and after seeking the Lord’s direction, they felt peace about stepping into it.
Q: Why is Pastor Nate leaving?
There was no conflict, sin, or misconduct of any kind. This decision comes from a place of health, faith, and obedience. Pastor Nate and Rachel love Honey Creek deeply and are simply following where God is leading them next.
Q: How do we feel as a church?
We’re deeply grateful for Pastor Nate and his family. Over the past six years, he has served faithfully, led with integrity, and loved this church well. Through his leadership, lives have been changed and the Kingdom strengthened.
As a church, we’re stepping into a new season of faith and growth—moving forward together, trusting God to continue leading and working through us for even greater impact.
As a church, we’re stepping into a new season of faith and growth—moving forward together, trusting God to continue leading and working through us for even greater impact.
Q: When will Pastor Nate’s last Sunday be, and how will we celebrate his time here?
Pastor Nate’s final Sunday at Honey Creek Church will be November 30th. We’ll honor the Dieckman family with a cake and coffee reception after the service, and everyone is invited. You can also share your appreciation by leaving a card or note in the foyer or giving it to them personally in the coming weeks.
Q: What happens next for Honey Creek Church?
We know you may have questions about what’s ahead, and we want you to know we’ll keep you updated and informed. You’ll hear from us through weekly Sunday announcements, church-wide emails, our newsletter, and our website.
In the meantime, we ask you to pray—
In the meantime, we ask you to pray—
- For Pastor Nate, Rachel, and baby Aubrey as they step into this new chapter.
- For continued blessing over every ministry and person here at Honey Creek Church.
- For our board, staff, and leaders to hear clearly from God and walk in unity as we move forward into what He has next.
Q: Who will be preaching Sundays?
We would love for you to join us Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 10am for a board update. During this time we will share important details about what is coming up and the surprising way God is leading us forward. We cannot wait to share what God has placed on our hearts.
Dear Honey Creek Church,
We want to start by thanking Pastor Dave Ford for being willing to jump in on such short notice and help us over the last several weeks. It would be hard to find anyone who is warmer or more exuberantly loving toward every person he encounters than Dave. We will always be grateful. Thank you, Dave.
Having said that, we want to give you the latest update on what is currently happening. The Board met this past week to prayerfully assess our needs as a church during this transitional season. We also met with our amazing staff to share our hearts and to listen to what was on theirs. Through those conversations, we came to the conclusion that our needs moving forward in this unusual season of change are different from what Pastor Dave is able to provide at this time.
This also works well for him, as he made us aware that his wife, Lori, is currently scheduled to undergo back surgery, and Dave will need to be all hands on deck to care for her during that time.
As we have said many times, and as we know from Scripture, we are a BODY, and no one individual, other than Jesus Himself, is the CENTER of His church. As we enter the process of discerning who God will bring, in His good time, to fill the role of Lead Pastor at Honey Creek Church, we ask that you pray with us continually, sincerely, and in earnest. Pray that we would see with full clarity the person God already has in mind for Honey Creek Church.
As always, we will keep you updated on all developments throughout this journey.
We are extremely grateful that God continues to meet our needs as we wait on Him in faith, trusting in His goodness and His guidance every step of the way.
Honey Creek Board
We want to start by thanking Pastor Dave Ford for being willing to jump in on such short notice and help us over the last several weeks. It would be hard to find anyone who is warmer or more exuberantly loving toward every person he encounters than Dave. We will always be grateful. Thank you, Dave.
Having said that, we want to give you the latest update on what is currently happening. The Board met this past week to prayerfully assess our needs as a church during this transitional season. We also met with our amazing staff to share our hearts and to listen to what was on theirs. Through those conversations, we came to the conclusion that our needs moving forward in this unusual season of change are different from what Pastor Dave is able to provide at this time.
This also works well for him, as he made us aware that his wife, Lori, is currently scheduled to undergo back surgery, and Dave will need to be all hands on deck to care for her during that time.
As we have said many times, and as we know from Scripture, we are a BODY, and no one individual, other than Jesus Himself, is the CENTER of His church. As we enter the process of discerning who God will bring, in His good time, to fill the role of Lead Pastor at Honey Creek Church, we ask that you pray with us continually, sincerely, and in earnest. Pray that we would see with full clarity the person God already has in mind for Honey Creek Church.
As always, we will keep you updated on all developments throughout this journey.
We are extremely grateful that God continues to meet our needs as we wait on Him in faith, trusting in His goodness and His guidance every step of the way.
Honey Creek Board