God is at it Again
Over the course of my pastoral calling, I've pastored four (4) churches; two as an interim pastor and two as a senior pastor. All glory be to God, I've never been forced out, voted out, and/or asked to leave. Each leaving was voluntary and directed by God to complete another assignment. Today, I am truly excited about my new assignment from God for many reasons. First, I am once again moving by God's direction without a road map. As a pastor, this is my second Abrahamic journey. The first time this happened was followed by the wife's (Brenda) death from cancer. After more than a year of pastoring without her by my side, God spoke to my heart and gave me a choice. I could stay and stagnate but be comfortable, or I could go (resign) and trust Him for what comes next. I chose to go and trust Him for what came next. Choosing to trust God resulted in my accepting an interim pastor position at the church my father in the ministry pastored for forty (40) years. I walked into a divided congregation where members were leaving in droves, finances were tanking, and lacking pastoral leadership/direction. God blessed me to lead that church in a way that brought healing, unity, stabilization, and growth, resulting in a healthy, well-balanced church being handed over to the newly called pastor.
Today, I am on a new journey without a road map, but I am not worried because God directed my path before, and He will do it again. I am now pastoring a church plant, and I'm excited about it. I'm doing what I've always done: reaching my people and reaching across cultural lines at the same time. I'm doing ministry work in a new location, among people I don't know right now but am building relationships with by God's direction. I look forward to building lasting relationships in Christ with any brother or sister with open and welcoming arms.
Remember, God's approval is the only approval you need. The reality is, whatever God directs you to do will be welcomed by some and considered a threat by others. I am sharing my testimony with you today because I want you to know that there will be times when God will instruct you to go without knowing where you are going, and/or how you plan to get there. When that happens in your life and you know with certainty God is directing your path, don't worry about seeking permission from men, women, and /or institutions; seek permission from God and carry on with the assignment He has given you.
What God has for you is for you!
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