The letter:
Many of you know that when I came here back in 2007 I came
here a little bit damaged from my previous church experience. It was not a healthy situation and it
actually made me question my calling into ministry but Calvary has been an
incredible place of healing and restoration.
I remember one of the statements that Dave Genberg said to me after one
of my first staff meetings. He said,
“Calvary is and has been a pastor making type of church.” He was right.
Through all the many transitions we have gone through this has been a
great place to heal and to grow.
About three years ago someone from back in Washington asked
me what it would take to get me to move back to the area. I told them I was in a healthy church and
knowing most of the churches in the area there in Washington I knew none could
provide the health I needed and was getting here at Calvary. I did say that if one particular friend who
was planting a church in the area called I would consider it because of what he
was doing and how he was doing it.
On April 30th I got an unexpected phone call from
this friend who was planting the church that is now 5 years old and looking for
a youth and family pastor. This phone
call was very disruptive to say the least.
I was not looking for any changes especially after the other transitions
happening here at Calvary. He proceeded
to fill me in on what they were doing and what they were looking for and asked
if I was interested in it at all. I
asked him why he was calling me. We had
not really communicated at all since moving here but for a few short
interactions on social networks.
He said that after looking at all the resumes he had
received he was not really impressed with any of them and then felt like the
Lord put my name on his heart to call.
So he called, then he came out to visit.
After he visited here I spent some time up at Camp Victory to process
and pray. Then after that short visit to
camp I decided to move forward in the process to see where the Lord was
leading. Shortly after this my whole
family was flown out to Washington for a visit to see if this was going to be a
fit. We were there for a fast weekend,
met the leaders, the families and some old friends who now attend this
church. There is a great need for a
shepherd to lead them as they strive to help equip families to make
disciples.
So, to make a long story short after much prayer, tears,
loss of appetite, sleepless nights and stressful days I have decided to accept
the position at Harvest Community Church in Selah, WA and will be leaving
Calvary at the end of the summer.
So, thank you for allowing me to heal and grow and serve as
your high school pastor for the last 7 years.
It has been my pleasure to serve you and your families. Thank you so much for your support and
prayers. I only ask that you continue to
pray for me and my family as we go through a difficult transition this summer.
