It's not good bye
This past Sunday marked the bittersweet end to a journey that began 9 years ago. It was my last Sunday as Pastor of the Narragansett Church of God. The day, in and of itself, was a day of honor, memories, tears and laughter. A beautiful ending to a wonderful story.
I say bittersweet because I know that God did not accomplish all that he wanted to through and during my time there but I also leave knowing that I gave my all and that it is time for someone else to come in and Harvest. I leave Narragansett, as I intended to, a better place than when I arrived and to God be the glory for that.
Many people are asking, "What's next?" And the truth is that I am asking the same question. :<) Right now we need a time of rest, a time of being poured into and a time of healing. God has not revealed the entirety of the next chapter just yet and I'm OK with that. My decision at this time is known as ministerial suicide by those in pastoral circles because you never leave without having "something better" lined up. But I am not a career Pastor and I knew that going in and I'm fine with simply waiting on God as I obey Him. By no means has my ministry ended. That will come when I breath no more.
I've been blessed with some phone calls and e-mails asking me to come and speak and already have some dates lined up. Those that know me, know I am an Evangelist at heart. Now, after 9 years of experiencing life as I've never known it, I look forward to seeing God do some incredible things.
I promise that I will "keep you posted!"
I say bittersweet because I know that God did not accomplish all that he wanted to through and during my time there but I also leave knowing that I gave my all and that it is time for someone else to come in and Harvest. I leave Narragansett, as I intended to, a better place than when I arrived and to God be the glory for that.
Many people are asking, "What's next?" And the truth is that I am asking the same question. :<) Right now we need a time of rest, a time of being poured into and a time of healing. God has not revealed the entirety of the next chapter just yet and I'm OK with that. My decision at this time is known as ministerial suicide by those in pastoral circles because you never leave without having "something better" lined up. But I am not a career Pastor and I knew that going in and I'm fine with simply waiting on God as I obey Him. By no means has my ministry ended. That will come when I breath no more.
I've been blessed with some phone calls and e-mails asking me to come and speak and already have some dates lined up. Those that know me, know I am an Evangelist at heart. Now, after 9 years of experiencing life as I've never known it, I look forward to seeing God do some incredible things.
I promise that I will "keep you posted!"
3 Comments:
Thank You Pastor Ken
You pointed me in the direction I needed to go. You introduced me to God and never tired of pointing me back to Him.
You modeled the Christian walk for me, you weren't perfect and that showed me that failure was acceptable but quitting wasn't.
Your family showed me what a family is and they loved me through some hard times.
You and yours will always have a place in my heart.
No matter where God may lead you
try to stay out of trouble.
By Tenacious Irishman, At 19 January, 2010 16:06
Thank you Pastor and Sister Debbie for all the loving, kind words and hugs you gave me for the last 9 years. You taught me how to put God first in everything that I do. How to love people and not hold on to things I can't change/control. I was sad when I learned you guys were leaving, but God makes no mistakes. Where ever God places you; they will be truly blessed to have you as a leader. I pray that God blesses you with everthing you heart desires. I love you guys, and you are missed. Lavisa Scott
By Anonymous, At 20 January, 2010 13:03
Ken, I respect you for doing what you have done. Many times in the ministry, leaving needs to be, even tho staying is the want to. To many pastors over stay simply because they don't have another place at that time to "move up" to. Many years of continually giving out is hard on the man of God. The Lord has given you the heart to do what you must do and He will bless you for it. I pray for a refreshing time for you and Debbie and God's will in your future. Always remember, your Dad and I love you.
By Anonymous, At 21 January, 2010 10:22
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