the surprises of God

I've had the most amazing week of my life, I think. It has been a roller coaster ride of sorts that has taken me from the pits of despair to a summit of peace. And I've probably dipped down and risen back up a few times, too.

This Sunday my congregation is celebrating the completion of my tenth year as youth director by calling me forward at both our Sunday worship gatherings (we label them "services"), and praising God for all that He's done through me. Then my pastor is going to announce that our Session (what we call our board of elders) has discerned and affirmed a call for me to transition out of the youth ministry and into full-time studies at seminary - I've been going part-time for the last four years - so that I may go onto pursue a PhD, and move into a full-time teaching ministry. To say I'm feeling bowled over is an understatement.

The process by which this decision was arrived at excluded me and my wife. The timing in which it was presented and set was not our own. I list these things first not because I have a chip on my shoulder, but because I want to speak honestly. While I believe in the elder's authority to come together and receive such leading from the Holy Spirit, I think there are other factors at work that could be described as well-intentioned people making some faulty assumptions and presumptions as to what is or isn't best for all parties. That, coupled with a rushed process, casts a least a slight palor over what in the end is a glorious changing of the guard.

Because while I'm disappointed with the process and timing, my wife and I are excited and celebrating this news. For one thing, it confirms what she and I have been talking about on and off for the last few years, and in depth over the last few months. We have the peace of God which transcends all understanding. To say I'm surprised is another understatement. Up until a week or so ago, I thought (was hoping) I would be involved at the youth ministry here for at least another year, maybe two or three. I felt like there were still a number of things for me to work on, do, and share with students, families, and fellow youth workers alike.

Yet God knows, doesn't He? Even though (in my opinion) there are some flaws to how this came about, God's perfect plan is being worked out through imperfect human beings, of whom I am one. I hope that anyone reading this will understand how thankful I am to God, and to the men and women who comprise the board of elders of our church. It took a lot of courage for them to strongly, and prayerfully, to consider something so incredible that it actually holds a lot of excitement for a great many of us.

If any of my students read this, please do not take anything that is written as any sort of rejection. Just the opposite. I've valued my last ten years of ministry at this church. My time spent with my students is among the most cherished of possessions. I love my students. To friends who might be reading this, please pray for us. There are a number of things that have to happen. And some of them need to happen soon. But we've seen God move quickly here, and I beleive He will not disappoint us by providing what we need to make this vision a reality.

I thank God for my last ten years in ministry to youth and their families. I praise God for this next opportunity to serve Him and His people. Praise God!!!