Leaving Sikeston

As of the first of July, 2015 First United Methodist Church of Sikeston, Missouri will receive a new lead pastor.  My time as lead pastor of this church will come to an end as of the last of June.  This is my decision, and not something proscribed to me by our bishop and district superintendent.  Bishop Schnase and District Superintendent Fred Leist are in full support.  It is not a decision entered into lightly.  Elaine and I have weighed this and prayed over this for several months.  This is not an easy decision.  We love the people and the ministry here and it will be extremely hard to leave.  However, we discern that it is time.  There are three main reasons for this:

• God is calling Elaine and me to a new, different direction in our discipleship and ministry.  The Holy Spirit has not made the specifics of this known to us at this time.  I am person under appointment, and I always fully trust the discernment of our bishop and district superintendents.  Having said that, it seems to us that my days of being the lead pastor of churches are coming to an end.  However it all plays out remains to be seen.
• God has brought First United Methodist Church-Sikeston to an amazing point in the ministry of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  We know that an even greater era in disciple-making ministry lies ahead.  I do not possess the necessary combination of gifts, skills, and sustainable energy level to provide the leadership needed for this next bold step forward.
• Even now God is preparing and equipping the person who will step into the lead pastor role for the next chapter in this church's great story.  For me to stay would inhibit this important God-designed step.  I trust the Holy Spirit, our bishop, and Conference leadership completely.  Bishop Schnase is totally committed to evangelism, reaching the unreached, "the church has left the building," and all the emphases that now make up our church's identity.  His investment in our church's future is deep and strong.  He will send a new leader who will not allow our church to take one step backward in our Great Commission focus - not one step!  

I have been in full-time pastoral leadership for 37 years.  I have been blessed to be a part of five awesome appointments.  In particular, in my wildest imagination I never could have pictured the life-changing, community-transforming impact God has demonstrated in and through the ministry of First United Methodist Church of Sikeston, Missouri.   I am so thankful for the faithful and courageous leaders and servants here, and to be a part of what God has done over the last decade.  I am excited about all that is ahead for this wonderful congregation.

Elaine and I invite your prayers as we venture forward into unknown territory.  For all that has been, we say thanks be to God.  For all that is ahead, we say amen; yes.  Come, Lord Jesus!

I'll see you around the next bend in the river.  Headed for a new stream...