Thursday, April 12, 2007
RESURRECTION!
We have just had Easter when we have thought, taught and sung about the resurrection of Christ from the grave. So this seems like a good time to “resurrect” this Blog-Journal. I have not made any entries since last October 26, 2006—as those who used to read it are very much aware.
Last Sunday—Easter Sunday—was my last Sunday as the Pastor of my little church, Countryside Christian Fellowship. They have been searching for a full time Pastor since last June. I had originally thought I would continue as their Pastor until a replacement was on the field. Then I thought that I might work with the new person for a while to insure a “smooth landing” transition.
But a combination of circumstances made that not the best plan. Things are incredibly busy at my “day job”. There are more responsibilities that require more and more time. Some of those responsibilities will require more travel. Also, I need to be more available to assist Karon in the evenings. All my “spare” time was taken up with sermon preparation or other responsibilities of ministry. Add to this the fact that I find I tire out more quickly now. So when I get home at night from work I am quickly very tired and not physically or mentally able to apply myself to study and preparation, as I should.
Another factor that makes this a good time to transition from the church is that they are at a place of completing one phase and are ready to go to another phase. We completed a successful Capital Stewardship Campaign—the church’s first attempt at anything like that. Money was committed and is being given regularly toward a new church building addition. Yet they have not begun the actual building phase yet. They are at a point to decide exactly what they can and should build, given the amount of money committed. So this seems a good time to step aside and let a new Pastor lead from this point.
The church needs a full time Pastor to grow beyond their current level in attendance and commitment to ministry. By getting out of the way, I am hoping that will bring about new leadership more quickly.
I feel like I’ve gotten my life back again. While I will miss the church people very much (they are a terrific, loving group of people) and while I will miss presenting God’s Word on a weekly basis, I am glad not to have to be thinking of something more to do regarding the ministry every minute. I am hoping soon to get some rest that I haven’t gotten for the last four years or so. And I hope to keep this Journal more active. And I definitely want to communicate better with my friends. I have friends that I have sadly neglected to communicate with via email, etc., just for lack of both time and physical energy to do so. I want to correct that. I love my friends dearly but I am afraid they will think I don’t care and have just “dumped” them. Nothing could be further from the truth but I am afraid it looks that way. I hope I’m not too late with some of my friends.
So there will be more from me on a more regular basis. Until next time,
Regards,
Jim
posted by jim 10:50 PM 1 comments
Comments:
jim
i didn't know you had a blog! how cool : ) i really liked reading your entries. know that nathan and i still love you dearly and you have certainly not 'lost' us. we will keep you in prayer as you recoop your energy and choose a new direction. God loves you!
peace, brother!
april
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i didn't know you had a blog! how cool : ) i really liked reading your entries. know that nathan and i still love you dearly and you have certainly not 'lost' us. we will keep you in prayer as you recoop your energy and choose a new direction. God loves you!
peace, brother!
april
# posted by 
: 5:59 PM
: 5:59 PM