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:

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. I’m not moving.  Yay!! We are staying in this area!  Actually the exact same area… as in the same house.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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. 🙂
3. 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.