Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

Since I announced a few weeks ago that I was stepping out of “permanent” church roles into interim roles, people have had lots of questions. Lots of assumptions have been tossed around. I would like to take a minute to share what God is doing in this next season.

First, let me say I won’t stop preaching. I LOVE preaching and teaching God’s Word! While I will not be doing this weekly from a pulpit, I have a bi-monthly ministry to a men’s recovery home where I preach the first Sunday every other month. I am also scheduled to preach at a Bible college chapel service this month. I also plan to go back into nursing home ministry (that’s where it all began for me in 1994).

Second, I hope to take interim pastorates in the future. It looks like my interim worship role may last 1-2 years, but I’m open to interim worship roles or interim pastorates. I may not be able to provide sustainable leadership for the long haul, but my record proves I have been helpful on the short term. A pastor typically has to be administrator, preacher, chaplain, and a million other things. I have the preacher and chaplain thing down, and there are churches in turmoil that can benefit from that skill set from months to 2 years. I’m game!

Third, I have high hopes to get back to writing (a book and a blog) and even starting a podcast. I don’t know when I will start writing a book, but I do have a podcast interview in the near future. I love when God opens doors. I just want to be a humble steward of what God sends my way.

I have a greater love for the local church than I’ve ever had, including the one I’m leaving. I ask you to join me in prayer for Oasis Church. This has been one of the hardest churches to leave because of my deep love for the people and the overwhelming support I’ve had from them. I want their greatest days to be the days ahead. Please join me in praying to that end.

This is not the end. It’s just the beginning of a journey where I get to help the body of Christ on a broader scale. May God empower and equip me to serve well in all that He assigns me to do!