Hello Castle folks,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I have thought long and hard about how to
tell you.
As much as I’ve enjoyed being the minister at Castle
Christian Church, the college work I initially took to supplement
my income has necessarily become my primary source of income. This was, at first, the best of all worlds
for me. I was preaching every Sunday to
a church I loved, teaching students about the things I loved, and using some of
my managerial skills to help maintain a wonderful adult program. And I was making a living.
Unfortunately, however, my work experience
has been very difficult and stressful. I
have hinted at this in some of my sermons, but have kept the bulk of it to myself. While there are some folks I work with whom I love and respect deeply, it has simply not been sustainable to continue there full-time.
Further, necessary changes to the pay structure in my current job have caused our family some very difficult financial problems. Between the stress of the job, the change in
pay, trying to maintain what is, basically, three jobs for almost six years,
and the daily stress of just getting to work my health has actually taken a massive
toll. I am very tired.
I tell you all of this because this year a church in Idaho
began to pursue Vangie to help them with their children’s ministry. We approached this very cautiously and have
spent many months thinking and praying about it. At first, we did not take it very
seriously. But, this fall, we both truly
began prayerfully considering the option. Last weekend, she accepted the offer to be the children’s minister
at Ten Mile Christian Church in Meridian, Idaho. This work will begin in early January—in
fact, because we are having to break lease, we will need to leave on the first of January.
This opportunity is a good one for Vangie. In fact, it is very much tailor-made for
her. I do fear, however, that, because
it is a large church and we have often been critical of some of the things
we’ve seen in the churches in our community, folks at Castle will feel we have
belied what we have taught. Nothing
could be further from the truth. We have
spent many hours in conversation with the leadership at this new church and are
just convinced that they are a very solid and ministry-minded church. In fact, despite their size, they have been
very modest in their approach to some of the things we have always tried to
steer clear of. I am very impressed with
this church, its members, and its leadership.
In fact, many of the conversations I’ve had with folks today reminded me
so much of you all.
I am considering a few work options for myself. The job Vangie has taken should be sufficient to support us until I
am able to find stable income. She is
also maintaining her relationship with PURE Ministry, which I will assist her
with. This will also benefit us. I am hoping to maintain some adjunct work and
have a few leads on possible part-time work in the area.
Mostly, I’m looking forward to getting some rest!
The truth is, as much as I have enjoyed teaching at the college, that is not what will break our hearts. Our hearts will shatter to leave Castle. You all have been family to me and have
welcomed me, my children, my wife, and my step-son with grace and mercy and so,
so much love. As much as I have heard
folks at church say they’ve learned from me, I can truly say I have learned
more about being the church from working with you than in all my years of study
and all the books I’ve read. I will
forever treasure the time I’ve spent in Georgia with you. This church has changed me, forever, deep
down in my heart.
We truly, truly love all of you. But we are in a position in which we just
cannot stay. And this opportunity is one
which is so good for Vangie and will resolve so many problems for us that we
just do not feel we can turn it down.
Therefore, I announced today (11/23/14) that I am tendering my resignation as the preaching
minister at Castle. My last Sunday will
necessarily have to be December 28, 2014.
I believe that you all will
obviously need to make some decisions as far as what you would like to do as a
church. I do not know what decisions you
will make or how you will come to them.
I do not want to presume to give you advice when I am the one leaving. However, one of the things we discussed today was that everyone should think and pray this week and come together next week prepared to discuss possible options for Castle in the future.
I hope that God blesses all of you the way he has blessed us
through you.
In Christ,
Jason
