It has been an interesting few weeks here at the command center that is Grace Church.  A little over a month ago, my boss, mentor, and pastor, Rick came to the staff and expressed his intention to resign as the senior pastor of our congregation.  As much of a shock that it was, the initial announcement wasn't too terrifying because of its limited longevity.  Just a few short days later, Rick announced that he would not be resigning, and he would be continuing in the pastorate with minimal changes.  Amidst this turbulent time, the deacons of our church began to seek ways they could help members of the staff and become more actively involved in the responsibilities of the church.  In so doing, they put together a "ministry summit," which allowed us as staff members to sit before the council of deacons and spill our hearts about ministry.  I know, I know, it didn't sound like much of a summit to me, either.  It sounded like it had the makings of an interrogation.  Anyhow, before the summit began, Rick (the pastor) came to the deacons and the staff and re-announced his renewed intention to re-resign...does that make sense?  If it does, then it provides the background for this entry.

Last June, Kyle Pierpont and I both signed up to be part-time youth pastors for the ministry of Grace Church.  While having two guys in a role like that can be difficult, the Lord has blessed our efforts and our relationship immensely.  We knew that along with some relational strain and stress, financial instability might arise as well, pushing us both into other part-time jobs.  Now, nearly a year later, the financial strain has grown increasingly difficult to deal with.  I now have more bills to pay in the form of car payments, insurance, and gas fill-ups, and I'll soon be losing a roommate who's been helping me split the rent.  All this adds up to a point where my current employment is not allowing me to stay put. 

A bit over a month ago, I set some wheels in motion, both at Grace and elsewhere, regarding my job situation for the upcoming year.  As it stands today, I have several job offers, both solid and presumed, but I'm still seeking the direction of the Lord.  I know that God will bless what I do, for I desperately want to serve Him, but I'm terrified that I'll find a way to make a decision He won't be happy with. 

It's been a tiresome and interesting past few weeks.  I've felt so done with all this stuff, only to have my energy be renewed from the solid group of people I know are lifting me up regularly.  I'd ask, selfishly, if you would do the same.  If you remember, could you please pray for wisdom and discernment in my upcoming decisions?  This decision is the most difficult I've had to make to this point in my life, bar none. 

Bob