Update:
It’s
official. This morning at Faith Church,
I announced that I will be retiring due to medical reasons. I’ve spent many hours praying and pondering
what is best for me and for the congregation.
They have been very generous to me allowing me all the recovery time
that I’ve needed. But it’s become clear
to me that even if I get past my current medical issues that I can’t guarantee that
I’ll regain the strength and stamina that I need to devote myself to full-time
ministry. It is hard to say good-bye
after 18 years as their pastor; but it is time.
As hard as it is, I feel at peace with the decision and I know that it
is best for both me and for the church.
My wife and I will remain in the area and as my health permits I’ll
continue to be involved in part-time and volunteer ministry in the area as God
leads me. Right now, my wife says that “my
job is the business of living” and I’m hoping to find an answer to the pain I’ve
been experiencing. Also I am excited for
the future of Faith Church, we are both on an adventure to see where God leads
us next. Officially my last day will be
May 31st but I am on a sabbatical leave until that time, so
effectively I am finished. I’ve been a
full-time pastor for 25 years; now it is time to see what the next chapter of
my life will hold. 
I want to
say thank you to the congregation of Faith Evangelical Free Church in Fall
Creek for the love and support that they’ve demonstrated to me, especially over
the last two years. I am grateful for my
wife’s CONSTANT care and help. My
friends and family have been awesome supporters. And most of all, I’m grateful for the
constant presence and encouragement that I’ve received from God. As hard as this time has been (and may
continue to be), I am fully confident in His loving support and
enablement. I am not anxious about the
future; because I know that He will continue to be with me every step of the
way.
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