Church Life

So I wasn't going to be able to blog about this until after this Sunday but because someone mailed out some letters a bit early it no longer matters...

It has been announced... Pastor Paul is not returning. I think even for me it is a bit weird and I had a pretty good idea of what was going on. But I think it is good. I am sad but excited. Many more changes will be happening at church and I think that it will be a good thing. Hopefully most people will take the news well. I know there were some devout Paul followers out there counting the days until his return (which in my opinion is a problem by itself) but whatever works I guess. But there were also people who were hoping that he would not return.... and then there was what I am guessing is the majority, the people who didn't really care too much either way.

It will be a bit weird though. Lakeshore Vineyard... no longer "Paul's church" as so many called it. Crazy times. Who would have guessed that in a year Jared and Paul would leave.... I didn't see that one coming BUT I think it is good... for everyone.

Jared leaving was a bit more of a surprise.... to everyone... me, the whole staff, the church... and I think himself. For months and months we tried to figure out how to mix where the church was going with what Jared had on his heart but Jared's message didn't really mix because it was a very specific direction (more than just a series or a mission statement). But his messages did impact a lot of people. Honestly, Jared needed to do his ministry, his way and I think he would say that. He has a clear and direct path and was unwilling to waver in any other direction than the one that he had found He had a specific message (and how to present that message properly) and he wasn't willing to budge. But I can respect that.

Paul is a bit of a different story. Paul was tired. He had been tired for years... he was burning the candle at both ends for a long time. Also he was having a hard time really finding a direction for the church... the church was shrinking and didn't have momentum. We just were spinning our wheels with no real direction. So after a while of thinking Paul and the church board decided it might be a good idea for Paul (and Tammy)to take a break and re-evaluate what they needed and wanted to do in ministry. It would be good for the church and good for both of them. So Paul went to California and taught at a seminary and Tammy got a teaching job. They lived in a trailer but life was more simple (for the most part) and they got refreshed in a lot of ways. So after 6 months Paul sent a letter saying he was returning to the church... that was good except that he forgot to ask the board and the pastoral staff what how they were feeling about the church and the direction at the time. It was always known that Paul could return but also known that he might not return... so those guys (and a few gals) had some pow wows and discussed what was happening (and the rest I do not know because I wasn't at the pow wow). And that lead us to now... after much consideration Paul had decided to go. And so you all know he did NOT leave knowing that he wasn't coming back... as far as I know (like he said) he was planning on returning but God had other plans (apparently).

So our church is being pruned in a way.... not that either of those to guys were bad people or that they were ineffective in there ministries at the church... I guess God just decided the church needed a change and that they needed a change too... that at this time at Lakeshore Vineyard things need to be different in a major way, apparently. A new season. Jared and Paul and LVC were not thriving as a unit. They did at one time but people change and God lead us in different directions. Now, I am sure if some people just read what I wrote they would be upset but that is the truth of it. Sometimes God prunes away people and things that we love and think we need, to make us (or in this case the church) stronger and more healthy (and you know what it might hurt a bit) . Again, I am not saying either Jared or Paul were "bad apples" they both just needed a new ministry opportunity to be as effective as they can be (the same is true of the church).

And you know what? I believe we, as a church, can be as effective as we have ever been as a church in the coming year. And I think Paul and Jared will feel the same way...