Final Service at WBC

Well, it happened. This past Sunday was the last and the church really made us feel loved. Cards and gifts and a great meal was provided. Then, this past Wednesday was it. I looked around as I walked out of the church for the last time as Pastor. I have peace to be for sure, but I will miss this place. The people and the place. Now, it is onward we go!!!

 

Being Thankful

 This morning I was reading an article from "The Gospel Coalition", and I quote,

"According to a couple of surveys I’ve seen, the number one reason pastors leave churches is conflict. They feel embattled about a direction they wish to take. They are constant recipients of criticisms. Sometimes their wife and children bear the brunt of unloving and un-Christian attacks in the body of Christ. And a great many pastors feel they have no friend in the congregation with whom they can talk about these things. Most pastors feel overworked, under-appreciated and put down by some of the people they serve. Conflict abounds."

Thank God that I do not have to deal with this. To my knowledge, I leave without any conflict, no one asked me to leave,(except the Lord) I have made lasting friendships, there has been nothing but love and support. Thank you Lord for allowing me the privilege's of being the Pastor of WBC

Looking Back Part ONE

 I knew it would be hard, just down right difficult; to resign as Pastor of WBC, but I never knew it would hurt this bad. I love this church, these people, this county. God has afforded me opportunities I could only imagine. Being Pastor of WBC will be one of the greatest honors I have ever had, 

I was able to join Warrensville Fire Dept and serve as their Chaplain, do some fire fighting, and mostly operate the trucks. I loved being a First Responder. 

Something else that happened...I was able to be part of a team of men who began and grew the Chaplains Ministry here is Ashe County through the Sheriff's Department. What a blessing to be part of this.

There are so many things I want to add. Perhaps time will allow to me add more in the coming days and weeks so I will have this to look back upon. 

Transition Update

As you have heard we are resigning here at Warrensville effective March 31, March 27th being our last Sunday), but the church has been so gracious in allowing us to remain in the Parsonage until the end of April. In this process I am being VERY purposeful in my remaining sermons, some final home visits. The worst things is starting to pack- WHEW, The Parsonage is a big house and our little cottage in SP, is less than a 1000 SQ FT. Lord willing, this will be our last move on this earth!

Nine Incredible Years

 I knew this day would come, but nothing has prepared me for this, it just had to be done. I have resigned Warrenville Baptist Church, as Pastor effective March March 31, 2022 and my last Sunday will be March 27th. It has been nine wonderful years. We have so many wonderful memories here at WBC. For now, we will be moving back to our house in Spruce Pine at the end of April. We are heart broken to leave Ashe County. We love this place, but we are also excited to move back to our own house and begin to prepare for retirement in about 7 years. Much work to be done!!!