Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

I never thought I would be the one making announcements like this. I was the boy who lived in the same city and had no desire to leave. All of that changed when God called me into ministry. That point began a crazy adventure. Over the last 26 years, I have served 12 churches. It’s hard to believe, but I actually stayed at one of those for almost 6 years and another for almost 3 1/2. Every God-given assignment had a specific purpose. When God moved me, I moved.

I am doing that yet again. For almost 2 years, I have pastored Oasis Church in Anderson, SC. We went through a relaunch at the end of my first year. It was tough to accept when God was moving me out. There was lots I couldn’t understand. I wanted to see lots happen, but God made it clear that I’m a unifier and stabilizer. My gifts do not lend for long-haul ministry. It used to discourage me that I couldn’t see the growth that other pastors were experiencing. Now I am finally fully accepting my gifting, and I leave with great emotion because I deeply love the people of Oasis.

God confirmed this new calling in an unusual way. I didn’t send a resume. They found me and contacted me. When God began to confirm this transitional type of calling to me, I asked God to open a door that I could not deny was His hand. He did just that. So, I will be stepping back into an interim worship leader role on April 16. It will most likely last 1-2 years as this church does not have a permanent pastor nor worship leader. I’m an unusual beast who has a passion for preaching and leading worship.

I ask that you pray for me and my family as we make this new transition. Please pray too for Oasis Church. Transitions are a prime time for the devil to work, and I want to make sure I don’t give him any ammunition.