I realize that I haven’t blogged in a while. And I hope that my lack of effort here will soon change. Today, however, I wanted to let you know of a big change happening in my life and the life of my family.
I have decided to resign my position as high school pastor at Northshore Christian Church and accept a new position with another church.
I’d prefer, of course, to let everyone know this in person and have tried to have as many of those conversations as I can the past week. However, because it is Summer and many people are gone traveling, I knew that some of you would have to find out this information in this form. I apologize for how this may seem impersonal. I do hope and pray that I will have the opportunity to have many of the personal conversations as the Summer finishes.
My family and I are very excited about where God is leading us next, but we are also quite sad about all the relationships, memories and the church body we are leaving.
Here is a letter that I wrote to students this last week and discussed with them at our Sunday night gathering. If you are a student who has not yet heard, please read this as a personal note to you. I’ll miss many relationships at Northshore, but none more than the amazing students I’ve been blessed to serve beside the last five years.
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Dear Students:
I don’t really like goodbyes. I don’t like them because they suck. They are hard. They hurt. They sometimes seem too sudden. They seem too final.
It’s why I hate graduation every year, as you all move on to college, work, or still living at your parent’s house full-time (hahaha!)
But this year, it is my turn to say goodbye.
I have officially resigned as the High School Pastor at Northshore Christian Church.
Now, here’s what that DOESN’T mean:
- I did not resign as your friend. Many of you are more than students to me; you are friends. And that doesn’t have to end.
- I did not resign because I don’t like Northshore. I love Northshore. My family and I have been so blessed by our time with this church. We have made life-long relationships with people here and we will always consider it our “home.” And I hope that it continues to be that type of community for you too.
- I did not get fired. Wow, seems like a miracle, right? Hahaha! But I have no problems with the leadership of NCC and I fully support and trust them as leaders. I am leaving in good standing and healthy relationship with them and of my own choice.
- I’m not moving. Yay!! We are staying in this area! Actually the exact same area… as in the same house.
- You don’t have to stop “babysitting” for us. Hahahaha! But, seriously… you don’t have to stop. We still need babysitters. 🙂
Now that stuff is out of the way, here’s what it DOES mean:
For a long time now, I have been feeling like God is calling me help lead a church in a different way than youth ministry. I have absolutely loved and been committed to serving with you these passed 5 years, but just haven’t been able to shake the feeling that God keeps calling me to something else.
So, last week, I accepted the “Lead Pastor” position at a young church plant in this area. Those of you who know me really well will probably understand that it seems to fit me well.
You should know that I didn’t seek out this position. Rather, it sort of feels like it sought out me. It is a remarkable story of how God was orchestrating things I wasn’t even aware of and I’d love to tell it to you in person if you are ever interested.
Some practical stuff you should know:
- Youth group will still go on at Northshore. I will be continuing to help as I can in the transition and Blaine and Brandi will be working to keep things moving as smoothly as possible. Please show them grace and help them with the load.
- My last day will be August 31, 2012. It’s the end of the month, so make sure you get back from vacation to say goodbye to me please. 🙂
- I believe in you. I’m still committed to seeing this youth group grow into all it can and should be. I only feel license to chase this next adventure because of how much I believe in you as students to carry on and create the atmosphere of grace and love that is needed to grow your group.
Goodbyes suck.
So let’s not consider this a goodbye. Let’s just say that our High School Pastor finally graduated! Hahaha!
I love you all deeply and can’t wait to see what God does in your lives and in your group.
your friend,
Nick.