There are times when God’s work and His timing make
absolutely no sense to us. In 2008 when I had my stroke, my family and the
church were taken completely by surprise. As the time went on, it was amazing
to watch how God used a terrible situation to bring about something that brings
Him the greatest glory. God’s provisions in the months after my stroke were
absolutely incredible. He has sustained me and my family through some of the
most terrible months of our lives.
About a year ago, I had mentioned to Laura that there were
some things occurring on Sunday mornings and as I interacted with people that
might seem to suggest that some of my deficiencies were becoming more evident.
What I told her then was that when my deficiencies begin to become almost a
distraction, I would know it would be time to step back from full time
ministry.
Over the next several months, it was communicated to Laura
and and myself that I look tired, appear to be having swallowing issues and
more difficulty with weakness in the left side.
Certainly, all of those things are true. At that time, I began praying about what to
do. Enter Joe and Kerri Strode. In April, Laura and I met with Joe and Kerri
and asked them to begin praying about what God would have for them in full time
ministry. I asked him, then, if I were to take a diminished role in the church,
would he be interested in becoming a full time Family Life Pastor at New
Covenant church.
We talked several times over the next few months and in July
we met again to discuss the possibility of a transition. Following those
discussions, I met with the deacons and the Board and discussed the possibility
of a realignment of workload and salaries that would allow Joe the opportunity
to pursue the Lord in full-time ministry as well as give me the option of
following the advice of many physicians and reduce my workload. The proposal to have Joe come on in a
full-time capacity while I mentor Joe in his new role was met with overwhelming
affirmation. With that said, effective
September 1, I will be stepping down from full-time ministry. I will remain the
Senior Pastor of New Covenant church during this time of transition and come
along side Joe as a mentor and friend.
Joe has shared that the Lord has given him a desire to become a senior
pastor and this will be a step in the process in helping Joe get to where he
feels God wants him to be. Joe will assume the day-to-day operations of the
church and his job will be expanded to include a greater responsibility with
our youth, children and families.
Joe and Kerri have shown themselves to be dedicated to the
Lord and clearly have a heart for reaching people. God has obviously equipped them with
tremendous talents and in turn, Joe and Kerri use those God-given talents for
the purpose of reaching and discipling people for Christ. I would ask that you prayerfully come along
side myself, my family and the Strodes as we move forward with what we believe
is God’s direction for New Covenant Church.
Jim, you are in my prayers!
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