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.
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.
posted by Rob Petkau at 11:58 AM
5 Comments:
Wow!
I admire you Rob in this obviously difficult decision...it certainly takes a bold step of faith to know that follow the guide of God's spirit. Know that over the last few weeks I have prayed for you a number of times and I will continue to do so....(at least everytime I check out your blog!).
You have got my curious antenna's up though.......if you are free to candiately speak here.....what dreams and visions are you guys moving towards?
Grace and Peace to you,
-Jer
"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."
Hey Rob, Would love here more where the Spirit is leading you. I realize this might not be the venue for expanding the above thought...but hey, there is always coffee. Pax...Ron+, and God's blessings to you both.
England. For a week or two anyway...
L.
And so turns the page to a new chapter for you both. Rob - I am excited. Almost thrilled. This is a new season, and I admire your obedience to step out and walk in "it"! Keeping you both in close prayer.. and can't wait to connect when you guys are ready - the Lord is faithful.. and remember, The one you called you is faithful..and He will do it!
Hey Rob, jUst came across your blog. Wow, this is some news, but I know that you are following God and always remember he is faithful, even when it doesn't make sense. All the best. Andrew Evans
Post a Comment
<< Home