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Dear Missio Family,

We’re grateful to share an important update in the life of our church.

After nearly two years of prayerful searching, discernment, and waiting, we are excited to introduce our Lead Pastor candidate, Dominic Abaria.

Dominic is a pastor, spiritual director, and seminary faculty member with a deep commitment to forming people in a life of faithful obedience to Jesus. A Portland native, he is the founder of Fermata Ministries, where he creates space for spiritual direction, retreat, and deeper attentiveness to God’s presence in everyday life.

At his core, Dominic is drawn to the slow, transformative work of discipleship by helping people fix their eyes on Jesus and walk with endurance, honesty, and hope. His leadership is shaped by a desire to be faithful before God above all else, trusting that true fruit grows out of abiding rather than striving.

Dominic is married to his wife, Jena, and together they are raising three children. When he’s not pastoring or teaching, you can often find him enjoying the Oregon rain, out on a run, or eating sushi.

This has been a significant season for Missio. Through times of transition and uncertainty, we have seen the faithfulness of God again and again. We want to express our deep gratitude to our Search Committee, Ministry Board, staff, and volunteers who have served so faithfully throughout this process. Thank you also to each of you who have been praying, stepping in, and carrying the life of our community forward—your presence and faith have mattered more than you know.

In many ways, the Spirit of God has been forming us—growing us in trust, unity, and dependence on Him. We continue to believe that He has been at work in both the waiting and the leading.

We invite you to continue praying—for Dominic and his family, for our church, and for clarity and unity as we discern God’s leading.

JOIN US!  Sunday, May 3rd @ 9:30am-11:00am to hear from Dominic!