Receive His Love, Follow His Lead. . .

This past Sunday was a big day in our lives and in the life of Spring Lake Wesleyan Church. It is definitely a bittersweet time as we make ready to leave a wonderful church family, treasured friendships and a community that we have enjoyed, while at the same time anticipate what God has in store for us in the months ahead. Dennis' announcement given on Sunday will give you a glimpse into our hearts as we have come to this decision of resignation.

Receive His Love, Follow His Lead. Flowing out of my summer Sabbatical, those words have been a sort of mantra for me over these past months. Nearly 11 years ago, following His lead brought us to Spring Lake Wesleyan Church. With great confidence on our part and yours, we began this journey together to fulfill His purposes in this community, region, and world.

Over the past few weeks, God has been leading again – this time to lead us to resign and complete our ministry here.

Gwen and I have always followed God’s leading to be released before pursuing any next place. We have no options yet for our future nor have we pursued any possibilities. We have great peace in this leading and believe that God will open up a very clear sweet spot for us in the days ahead.

Some might ask, “Did this decision flow out of the Sabbatical?” I answered before I left that it was not my intention to leave going into the Sabbatical, nor was it my intention when I returned. I did come back with a resolve and a surrender to receive His love and to follow His lead. That resolve and surrender has led us to this point of resignation today.

It would be hard to describe the grief we are experiencing in this decision. We are grateful to God for all He has led us through – the forging of friendships; the development of leaders; so many shepherding moments; growth in teaching times; deep times of prayer; the Unexplainable God Factor; and – perhaps most of all, life transformation.

These moments are way too brief and way too early to begin sharing how much joy Gwen and I and our family have experienced in our lives over these past 11 years. It has been a privilege and an honor to be your pastor. We celebrate the journey of prayer, faith, love, and hope we have shared.

Gwen and I plan to complete our ministry among you in late May. The time will go by quickly but we look forward to treasuring this time with you. We love you and thank God for the joy it has been to serve this God-blessed congregation.

Dennis and I would greatly appreciate your prayers for SLWC as they process this transition and for us as we trust God for our future. No doubt, my blog posts over the next few months will keep you updated as to how God is leading.

As I create this post, another snowfall blankets Spring Lake :). Perhaps someplace warm?