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.
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May 22nd, 2006 at 9:34 am
Ministry (as if I need to tell you) is so different than most vocations because you work with people and not “things.” You’re not leaving a plant or factory, you’re leaving a body of believers that you and Beth have poured your hearts and souls into for the cause of Christ.
You’re in my prayers Bro for no matter how good the situation appears to be that you’re going to, you’re leaving some good people behind and I know that can be a cause of pain.
May God bless you, Beth, Madison, and Reese on this new phase in your ministry.
May 22nd, 2006 at 10:04 am
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May 22nd, 2006 at 10:06 am
Let’s try that again.
So is Stockton a little bit like Ninevah?
Your family is always in our prayers, and we have been praying for this decision. I am glad there are open doors for you, and know you will be a blessing to that California church.
May 22nd, 2006 at 11:17 am
I can’t begin to imagine the excitement you must feel to go, and the sorrow you must feel to leave. I admire you guys so much for following God’s call. You are all in our prayers.
I don’t remember…is Stockton closer to us than Arlington?
May 22nd, 2006 at 12:10 pm
You’ve been in our prayers often as you’ve wrestled with this decision. Knowing some of the struggles, Arlington is blessed to have had you and your family. And Stockton is blessed to be getting you and your family.
Just curious … are you going to use old sermons between now and July 31?
May 22nd, 2006 at 1:02 pm
Eternally speaking, I am so excited for what God has for you in Stockton…
Personally speaking, I’m thrilled you will be close enough to get to.
May 22nd, 2006 at 4:08 pm
Greg, you’ve hit on the greatest joy in this whole move. I think that Randy now gets to use old sermons for the next 6 1/2 years.
May 22nd, 2006 at 4:35 pm
Wait a minute . . . you guys don’t throw the sermon away after you’ve preached it? To think of all the work I could have saved myself!
May 22nd, 2006 at 5:18 pm
Could you have found some place a little farther away? Forget preaching old sermons, you’re going to be in jet lag for the first 6 1/2 years. I know God will bring some great blessings in your life as you wrap up ministry on one coast and begin anew on the other.
May 22nd, 2006 at 8:08 pm
Congratulations on your new position!
Are you going to repeat the road trip of death?
May 22nd, 2006 at 9:48 pm
This kind of transition is always hard - no doubt about it. Blessings on you, your family & your congregration.
Glad you’ll be back on the West Coast!
May 23rd, 2006 at 2:42 pm
You’re moving down the street from us! Well, 30 minutes down the freeway, as we live in south Sacramento. Ah, the Central Valley in August. At least it’s (normally) a dry heat.
May 23rd, 2006 at 10:32 pm
May God bless you and keep you, May he make his face shine upon you and give you peace
you and your family.
I have enjoyed and been instructed by your sermons and the interation we have had. You will be missed.