After 15 years of being president of FEC, Rocky Rocholl is handing the reins over to Nate Hamblin. A confirmation took place on December 6th when delegates voted to affirm Nate as the Fellowship’s new president. Rocky has worked toward this eventual goal of transition and is glad to know Nate is stepping in. The two worked together on FEC’s executive team for the last five years where Rocky saw Nate’s strengths and qualifications firsthand. “Nate has a lot of experience and knows what FEC does,” Rocky says. “He’s seen that and gets it, and yet he’s still young enough to be a peer with all of our leaders.”
As Rocky reflects on his years of leading FEC, one of his biggest celebrations is watching God strengthen FEC’s relationship with churches and their leaders. More churches have joined the Fellowship from independent or unaffiliated backgrounds, giving FEC “greater energy and an outside perspective,” Rocky says. “It makes us better.”
Rocky’s wife Sue also sees how important relationships and time together have been for FEC. “God has created an openness and a vulnerability in us – especially with our leaders and their spouses.” With Sue’s efforts in organizing and being present for THRIVE, a care ministry to support pastors, credentialed leaders, and their spouses, she has seen the benefit of pouring back into our leaders.
“I think FEC’s best days are ahead of us,” Rocky says. His hope for the future is to see more unity and relationship building. He would love to see the synergy groups continue to strengthen so more churches can do life side by side rather than in isolation. Sue’s hope and prayer for the women in ministry, whether credentialed leaders or wives of leaders, continue to find support and encouragement from within FEC.
Both Rocky and Sue have no plans of leaving FEC completely and look forward to serving their local church body, supporting Soul Care, and for Rocky to be an ambassador to various churches, ministries, and leaders throughout FEC.
