Few things in life are certain, but one thing we can count on is change. It comes and goes in our lives, sometimes faster than we’d like. But sometimes change happens at just the right time, for just the right purpose.
One of the most poetic Scripture passages, and one of my favorites, is found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
Life is made up of “seasons.” There is a time for everything in life. There is a time for things to stay the same, and a time for things to change.
It’s with that in mind that I made the announcement today in our worship services at FCC Columbiana that I have accepted the position of Student Pastor at Canton First Christian Church. I have submitted my resignation to the elders at Columbiana FCC and they have accepted it, effective June 29th.
More than five years ago, it became clear that God was leading me to become a part of the team at FCC Columbiana. God has blessed that time in many ways. Now I sense that same leading and confirmation, but in a new direction. This has not been a quick decision, but rather one that I and others have prayed about for quite some time.
I am excited to be in student ministry again. I have missed so much about student ministry since I transitioned out of it a little over two years ago, and I am extremely excited about the plans that are being formed in Canton. Great things are in store and I can’t wait to be a part of it and to get the ball rolling. At the same time, their student ministry has some crucial needs, and they and I both feel that my strengths are a great fit for their needs. It seems to me like a match made, literally, in Heaven, and directed by God. They have a great team that I am thrilled and humbled to be a part of.
In spite of all of that, this decision is bittersweet. I’ve grown up in this community. I love it here. My family is here. Stacey is here. To leave so much of this is an uncomfortable feeling in certain ways, but if I am going to walk the walk then I need to be willing to boldly follow God’s leading, and there’s no denying that this is it.
For many of you in Columbiana, this may come as a shock or a surprise. Let me assure you that, to God, this is no surprise. He has been working for quite some time to put all the pieces in place for this to happen. He is leading in this and is in control. This decision has been confirmed in numerous ways.
Over the next three weeks I am committed to the ministry of FCC Columbiana, to answering your questions, and to enjoying our time together. I look forward to spending time with many of you over the next few weeks.
It has been an honor to be welcomed into your homes and into your lives. I have mourned with many of you in moments of intense grief, and I’ve celebrated with many of you in moments of incredible joy. I have made friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Many of you have become more than friends to me, you’re like family. Thank you for letting me into your world.
Most of all, this is not goodbye. I look forward to keeping in touch with you to see what God is doing through you. I don’t feel that I am leaving, but rather that I am being led in a new direction that God has established.
Please pray for me in this transition. Please pray for FCC Columbiana as new courses are set. Please pray for the student ministry and the church at FCC Canton as we begin this new season together.
The best days for all of us are ahead. I am confident that God has great things in store, and with the power of the Holy Spirit, lives will be changed through what we each do in our communities in the name of Jesus Christ.
