Life at a Crossroads

Sometimes it takes months – or even years – to fully understand “why.”  However, I do clearly know “what” God is saying.  The Lord is telling me “let us go somewhere else” (Mark 1:38).  So, at the close of the morning worship service today, I announced my resignation as pastor. 

This is the what I said to the church I have served for almost 7 years. . .

This morning it is my duty to share with you that I have informed the Personnel Committee of my resignation.  The effective date has not yet been finalized.  By faith, I expect it will be in early April.  However, it will be no later than May 31.

It has been a great privilege to serve both you and the Lord as pastor of the First Southern Baptist Church of Phoenix.  My personal preference and my “plan A” were to serve here until the year 2026 and retire at age 70.  However, God has shown me that my time of greatest effectiveness is now behind me in this ministry setting.  The Lord also has revealed that He has another place of service for me where I can continue to make a Kingdom difference.

I have been in serious discussions with a church that is located outside of Arizona.  Although that opportunity has not yet been finalized, God has made it clear that now, today, is the time for me to publicly share with you my resignation.

Truly, I covet your prayers as I do my best to follow in the footsteps of Christ.