Why We Are Moving
The question keeps coming up, "Why are you guys moving"? After all these years here in Fargo, I have a hard time giving a quick and satisfying answer to that question. We've had our share of calls, some really exciting ones, even a couple since this call to Lincoln Nebraska, so what makes us say no to those calls in 5 minutes or less and yes to this one and why at this time?
The bottom line is that God has impressed us with what's going on in Lincoln at these two churches. I must confess to having a different idea of what makes for a good church or what impresses us about a church. I've pastored in large churches, one church districts and small churches in a district with four churches. I've pastored where the tumbleweeds outnumber the local population of the entire district. I'm just saying, what matters most, is not size, or money or a church with a lot of influential people, but a church with members of intentionality and action. A church is either connected or it is not. The members of the church, which is to say, THE church, are either self absorbed, or they are outward focused. it might be 49/51%, but there is a strong sense that we are not just here for ourselves.
We are not so much leaving Fargo as we are going to Lincoln. We are not leaving here because there is something wrong with the church here or there is so much that is right with the church there. We are taking this call because God has impressed us that we will be a great addition to the ministry of connections that we already see happening in the district. We are confident of His leadership since we've seen Him move us to some amazing places in the past. His plan is exciting even if it is not totally not clear at times.
In our last few weeks here in North Dakota, our minds are gearing up for a new ministry. Our passion is being fueled and stoked by what we've seen and we feel at home already at our new churches. We are quietly amazed at how God continues to use us. Pray for us as we enter this part of our ministry. We are sad about saying goodbye and wish we didn't have to. We've been blessed in many ways since we came here, but we hear God's voice and aim to follow it.
The bottom line is that God has impressed us with what's going on in Lincoln at these two churches. I must confess to having a different idea of what makes for a good church or what impresses us about a church. I've pastored in large churches, one church districts and small churches in a district with four churches. I've pastored where the tumbleweeds outnumber the local population of the entire district. I'm just saying, what matters most, is not size, or money or a church with a lot of influential people, but a church with members of intentionality and action. A church is either connected or it is not. The members of the church, which is to say, THE church, are either self absorbed, or they are outward focused. it might be 49/51%, but there is a strong sense that we are not just here for ourselves.
We are not so much leaving Fargo as we are going to Lincoln. We are not leaving here because there is something wrong with the church here or there is so much that is right with the church there. We are taking this call because God has impressed us that we will be a great addition to the ministry of connections that we already see happening in the district. We are confident of His leadership since we've seen Him move us to some amazing places in the past. His plan is exciting even if it is not totally not clear at times.
In our last few weeks here in North Dakota, our minds are gearing up for a new ministry. Our passion is being fueled and stoked by what we've seen and we feel at home already at our new churches. We are quietly amazed at how God continues to use us. Pray for us as we enter this part of our ministry. We are sad about saying goodbye and wish we didn't have to. We've been blessed in many ways since we came here, but we hear God's voice and aim to follow it.
Marty, Nice description of your thinking; you are the only one who can decide what is the right move for you. It's a good comment on your ministry in SD that folk don't want you to move; it's a good comment on your idea of ministry and your thinking processes & your willingness to share them. You are a gifted pastor and you will find the right way to make your ministry special anywhere you go. I wish you the best always, Kay
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Thanks much Kay.
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