Yesterday I did one of those most dreaded things: I announced to my congregation that I am resigning as their pastor.
What made this especially difficult is that this is a good church, we love the people, and there are no problems making it necessary for us to leave. Nevertheless, it was becoming more and more apparent that they need a different type of leadership to reflect the changed nature of the congregation. God has confirmed to me that I am no longer the best person for them. Yet, in light of our good relationship and to assist them with a healthy transition period I have given them ninety days notice of my departure.
On November 1st I will begin a new role, that of Area Administrator for the Pacific Northwest Assocation of the Church of God. This is an exciting opportunity that has recently opened up for me, and fits well with my gifts and extensive experience in district-related ministry. I look forward to working with approximately fifty churches in northern Idaho, northeastern Oregon, and most of Washington. There are some tremendous leaders and churches in this region, and all face the challenge of living in perhaps the most secularized part of the United States.
I would appreciate your prayers for my family and me as we face changes brought on by all of this.
And, despite those who jokingly suggest I am going to "the dark side", I plan on continuing to blog. In fact, I am committed to working even harder to seeing Church of God congregations and leaders strengthened in order to be more effective for the mission to which God has called us.
4 comments:
You will be in my prayers.
My Dad will be leaving Hanford soon after having lived there since I was in about the 4th or 5th grade.
The biggest adjustment I'm sure will be the severe lack of Superior Dairy (trust me, there IS nothing like it outside of your world).
For you, the adjustment of leaving a congregation might be a bit more *grin* my prayers will be with you.
Being a member of said congregation I can only express my deepest regret that you are leaving Lloyd.I do understand why this move is the right thing for you.But on a selfish note I will miss your approach to the teachings of Christ.One of the things that drove me away from church of any kind many years ago was the in your face attack by evangelists,preachers etc.And the pomposity of the catholic church of which i was born into confused me as a young man.When I first attended your church I was apprehensive but you and your family in fact have helped me open my eyes to investigate deeper into the chritianity that i believe i am searching for.I realize this may sound convoluted as my typing skills are lacking but My mind and yes my heart as well have been opened to Christ.For this,I thank you Lloyd.And furthermore I once again wish only best for you,Kathy and the boys in the future.I only hope that another pastor can be
found equal to your quality.A hard act to follow for sure.
ps(and besides who do I talk hockey to now down here?)
ALL THE BEST
Malcolm
Another one bites the dust! I'm sure that God will use you in this change.
someone is out there for your church but God will take care of it. You need not worry. Just like God is taking care of us since the departure of Bob Moss.
These situations are just confirmation that The Church is bigger than me or we in our churches, states or countries. God works to the good of ALL who follow him.
Godspeed in your move.
Marlene,
That's scary!
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