WARNING: This is long, I know, but this is what has happened the past few days. I couldn’t say anything till now, so in case you’ve been curious, or you’ve heard rumors, here it is, directly from the source:
After 5 years of wonderful ministry at First Church, Chris wasn’t “fitting the new direction of the church.” He was fired, because of that, and that alone–effective immediately, last Thursday. I want you all to know he did nothing wrong.
I can not and will not speak ill of the church. Why? Because this is where I spent my young adult years, where Chris and I were introduced and married, where we were showered with gifts and love when Gracie was introduced to the church as a newborn baby, where Chris and Gracie were baptized, where we learned the true love of a church family. This is where we, as a couple and as individuals, came to be ministers. We had fresh vision, new ideas, and new kids coming weekly. We had serious decisions being made about following Christ, and what that looks like in a teenager’s life today. Life transformation kinds of things—growing kids in Jesus. What part of that doesn’t fit with the new vision of the church? Nevertheless, I will always be grateful to First Church. I will forgive and move past this and I will not reflect on the church with a bad taste in my mouth. I can’t and I won’t.
The heartache for me? I can’t go back to my family, I can never visit my own church home! We spent hours upon hours there, after everyone else had gone home, to make sure the upcoming lock-in went just right, that camp would be the best ever, or the retreat would be enlightening, or the weekly youth service ran smoothly. I’ll never forget the love that the congregation has shown, or the joy I felt in that beautiful place. First Church was my home, my safe harbor, my growing place.
This was not a church-wide decision, more a decision of very few. Had the church members been informed what was really going on, there would have been much opposition. Because it has been such an unpopular decision, we were not allowed to say goodbye to our kids and church family. This hurts deeper than any physical pain I have ever endured, it cuts us both like a dull knife to the heart…pure sorrow…but God knows. I believe He grieves with me and He grieves with our friends and family. However, He sees tomorrow where you and I can’t. He’s working regardless of what it looks like around us.
To our treasured youth, to our faithful sponsors and supportive parents, to my beautiful Sunday School girls: We didn’t want it this way but God will make a way for us and our family, and for you and yours. He still works in you, no matter who is helping you through your spiritual journey. DO NOT blame people for this, you will only start to become bitter and resentful. We must show mercy even when none is given to us. We must forgive even when it’s not asked of us. You guys are forever in our hearts and none of you—NONE of you–will be forgotten. You all mean more to me and Chris and Gracie than you could ever know.
God told me today, “I’m here.” Thank you, Lord. I needed that.
* EDIT * This is important, I hope you all understand and believe me: If anyone–a sponsor, or a parent or a youth–whoever comes to you and tells you they know the “REAL” reason why Chris was let go, or that they have some kind of inside information that no one else has, they are LYING and only doing it for attention. Please don’t believe everything you hear–come to us if you have a question. Gossip kills friendships and destroys trust. Thank you. I’m sad I even had to address that.
Filed under: 
