22 May 06

Relationships are what makes the job of ministry rewarding.

We have been blessed, because of our ministry, with so many enriching relationships. In fact, it is the absence of relationships or conflict in relationships that causes ministry to be so draining.

We have lived in Arlington, Virgina and worked with the Arlington Church of Christ for 6 ¬? years. This work has been challenging, frustrating, rewarding, and fulfilling ‚Äì often all in the same week. I‚Äôve grown as a minister and as a person. I‚Äôve done my very best to challenge, through my life and teaching, others to think and behave in a manner consistent with the disposition of Jesus Christ. We‚Äôve had great success in many ministry endeavors and believe the future to be bright for the body of believers at Arlington.

So it was with a mix of emotions that I informed the congregation yesterday of our intent to leave Arlington. It was not a decision that we reached hastily. We wrestled with the idea of leaving Arlington since September of 2005 as we begin to see God move us in a new direction.

As I told the church yesterday we are sad that we are leaving because of the many solid relationships we have with so many. The church at Arlington is poised to be effective in many arenas of ministry and it is difficult to think I will no longer have a role in her future.

We are also excited. Mainly because we have seen God move and answer prayers. God has been faithful to us and has led us, without question, in this new direction. In August we will move to Stockton, California and begin working with the Central Church of Christ.

We do not fully understood why God has led us in this direction but we have no doubt that he is leading us. I’ve read the story of Jonah too many times. It’s generally not a good idea to say “no” to God.