I was dreading last Sunday.  It was the first church gathering since I sent out the letter explaining that I would be candidating  February 19th for the position of Sr. Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Cadillac, MI (This is the church where I served as an Associate Pastor before coming to Ojai).  I was dreading last Sunday because I hate the feeling of letting people down, especially people that I love very much.  But Sunday ended up being a great day, and I learned even more about our congregation in Ojai:

1. The congregation is trustworthy.  The Elders and some others have known about our situation for a while.  They understood the need to hold this information in strict confidence and absolutely did so.
2. The congregation is gracious.  Overwhelmingly the response to the letter has been, “We are so happy for you.”  What a blessing that response has been to us.  You have greatly relieved the burden of guilt and freed us emotionally to respond to what we believe to be God’s call. The word “encouragement” literally means “to put courage in.”  You have filled us up.
3.   The congregation is resilient.  I have been so pleased with the attitude of “We’ll miss you, but the church will press on.”  No panic.  No despair.  Rather, a people who are galvanized by the mission of making disciples and the knowledge that the Church ultimately belongs to Christ.  This congregation has seen God’s provision time and time again over the past 11 years.  There is a great sense of confidence that they will see it yet again.

Last Sunday made me (yet again) proud to be your pastor.  Thanks for ministering to our family.