Monday, January 16, 2006

Time to go

This past weekend Jaime and I resigned as Youth Pastors at Sidney Pentecostal Church. This was not something we’ve been considering for a long time. It has only been since we began preparing for our sabbatical that God began to reveal some things to us. We began to think that maybe we only had a year left in ministry here, but as we discussed this with the pastor and he board – we all agreed that the best time for all involved was to make this sabbatical our farewell. Jaime and I really know that God has been in all the details of this process and final decision. We sense His peace and leading so clearly. This is His timing, and it is good, no matter how hard it is to leave.

The best way for me to express the reason for this decision, is that God has revealed to us that He is calling me to be more and more specific in my calling and giftings, and that would begin to be a strain on the leadership and structure of our small church. It is not fair to ask them to support me in my dreams and vision if that was not what the church most needed from their second staff member. I could begin to see this happening as I reflect on recent months. Then God stepped in o kind of say – “this means it’s time, time to move on”. It feels like God, as our king, has lovingly informed us that, after 10 years, this assignment is finished.

On Friday night, as I looked at the youth and the leaders we had discipled, I was so proud that we really had worked ourselves out of a job. Not proud of myself, but so proud of the caliber of people Jaime and I had the opportunity to serve. They will miss us, but they have everything they need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1). It’s like God was saying to me “look at these servants of mine – they will be fine, it’s okay for you to move on now.”

Here is the letter that I read to the church on Sunday morning…


When Jaime and I asked for time off due to burnout, it was our full intention to return refreshed and refocused for years of continued ministry here at Sidney Pentecostal Church. During the process where the pastor and board went about helping us make this happen, I began to realize some important things that I had not seen before. I had not realized that who God is calling Jaime and I to be, and God’s calling for this church, are leading in different directions. Not that one is wrong and the other right. Simply – it is time for us to move on. Therefore we have resigned as Youth Pastors of Sidney Pentecostal Church. We will not be returning after our leave.

Pastor John and the board have been very supportive of us in this difficult time, and we are all in full agreement that this is God’s will, and the best thing for the church and for us.
Jaime and I are deeply grieved to say goodbye to you who we have come to love so much. We know that this comes as a surprise to you, it is a really sudden change for us as well. But we know God is in this decision. We hope that you will bless us and continue to pray for us as we take some time to rest and reflect. We plan to spend the next few months seeking God for His will regarding the next steps in our adventure.

For ten years this church has given me a home and a spiritual family, you have given me food, and friends, and a place to make a difference. You have provided for my needs and given me a wife. And you have watched Jaime grow from a little girl into a woman of God. From the bottom of our hearts we bless you and we thank you.
It has been an honour to serve you.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Sabbatical

In case you have not heard, Jaime and I are taking some time off to refresh and refocus. The church has graciously given me 3 months as stress leave (I was getting pretty burned out). Jaime is still working but we are both absent from all church stuff.
I have a great group of leaders who are running Sidney Pentecostal Youth in my absence. I’m sure they will discover that they need me far less than they think they do.

While I’m off I plan to do a lot of the things that fill up my energy level. Jaime and I will try to get enough money together to travel somewhere. We have signed up to take a fencing class together. Personally, I will spend a lot of time with God – learning to listen better, and hopefully be filled with a renewed passion for ministry. I will also immerse myself in my hobbies – they fill me up like nothing else in this world.

Jaime and appreciate all of you who are praying for us. Here are some things to pray for;
- Finances to travel
- Hearing from God
- Rest
- New perspective and passion
- Pie

I will post updates on this blog to keep you in the loop.

May His Force be with you.