Time

If you were at Capstone yesterday, you heard me share that I am going to be taking the next month off from the daily work of pastoral ministry. In some ways, it was a difficult decision to make. I love what God has given me to do and I take my calling and responsibility to the church very seriously. My heart's desire is to be faithful to my role as pastor and teacher. But in other ways, the decision for the time away came very easily.

I've shared with you that over the past six months or so, my family has been going through some extreme trials. These trials have taken their toll on us. I am physically tired and emotionally exhausted. I know that this is not a good place for anyone to be, especially someone charged with the spiritual leadership of God's flock. The Lord has made it clear to me that I need some time to take care of myself, my family, and to focus on our health. My responsibilities to them is even more important than my responsibilities to the church.

I know that the Lord is our answer and our solution. He has been that for me since the day I met Him as Savior 34 years ago. HOW He is going to reveal His answers and solutions at this time has yet to be seen. I am going to spend this time seeking Him and waiting on Him.

I serve at Capstone with some amazing people. Our leadership team of trustees and staff have been and continue to be completely supportive of me, my family, and the needs we have. They are giving me this time with their blessings and prayers and for that I am so appreciative.

If you are a part of the Capstone family, let me remind you again of what I shared yesterday. During this time, we must not become like "most churches." At "most churches," when the pastor is away, people use that as an excuse not to go to church. Don't do that. At "most churches," when there are trials within the body, especially if it involves leadership, people begin to gossip and pass judgment and make up stories without knowing the truth. Don't do that.

Capstone has never been like "most churches" and we must not become that now. The work of God's church continues. The mission that God has given us of "Loving people into the abundant life that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ" has not changed. If anything, the trials and challenges we all face should draw us closer together as a body as we pray and love and hold each other up during the hard times. The enemy wants to use whatever he can find to divide us. But as God's family, we must pray fervently and continue the fight against the enemy every step of the way.

Thank you for continuing to pray for us. I thank you for your love and support for me and my family. I will not be disappearing or going into hiding during this month. You'll see us at most everything going on. On Sundays, we will have different speakers in the pulpit and I look forward to hearing from them as well. And finally, I do not know how often I will write here over these weeks. I will as the Lord gives me something to share with you.

Blessings.