Good afternoon. I trust all is going well for you today.
I wish there were some easier way to break the following news to you, but there isn’t. So I guess I will just plunge in to let you know how God has led Luana and me in a very difficult decision.
Twelve years ago this month I submitted my resume to NCC. The search committee and elders followed that up with a telephone interview or two, and in April, 1997 we flew here from Portland OR to candidate for the position of pastor. That Sunday I promised that if I came, I would love people and preach God’s Word. That, in the briefest of statements, has always been my goal as a pastor. The church family extended a call to us, and we accepted.
You would have to have been here a dozen years ago to understand this fully, but suffice it to say that prior to our arrival NCC had suffered through a difficult time resulting in disruption, hurt, and confusion. When I have occasion to review where the church was when I arrived, as I have recently, and where it is now, I believe I have accomplished what God intended when he brought me here. I have done my best to fulfill what I said I would do.
A couple of years ago, before Luana and I took our 40th anniversary trip to Maui, I had been thinking and praying about whether I’d accomplished what God sent me here to do. I spent more than a little time in the pre-dawn hours over there looking down on the harbor and contemplating that question. I thought about leaving then, but I had no clear indication from the Lord that I should do so.
But I do now.
In my opinion, at this juncture you need fresh vision and new leadership. I am out of gas. When I listen to younger fellow pastors talk about their respective ministries, I realize that I have no ideas and little motivation. To continue like this is not fair to the church. I believe that it’s time for a change for you and for me. Therefore, last night I tendered my resignation to the elders. It is to be effective April 19.
I have applied with IPM, an organization that contracts with churches to supply them with interim pastoral care until a full-time pastor is called. I will be taking training with that organization the end of April in Davenport, Iowa. Until we sell our house, Luana and I will continue to live in Malcolm; but to facilitate your pastoral search we will not be attending NCC. We are most grateful for the years God has allowed us to work together.
This has been a most difficult decision to make. It would have been much easier if you all were not so dear to us. God will lead you to a new pastoral leader, and you will need to stand together with him in making Jesus known in northwest Lancaster County and elsewhere. But let me assure you that though our connection to you will change, our relationship with you will not. You will always be in our hearts, and the love we have for you will never fade.
Now, then, I want you still to have the very best of days, and be a blessing to at least one other person along the way.