For a few years now I’ve known that I was different. Well, I’ve known I was different for a long time, but different from the others at my church anyway. But, you can see more on that in my first post here.
The youth pastor at my church announced a couple of weeks ago that he would be leaving for an associate pastor position at a church in the next city over. He was the only person on the church staff that seems to have a firm grasp on what the Gospel is and the need to proclaim it from the pulpit.
Along with this, starting next month the church is cutting back from three services to two, something that has long been needed. Previously we had two hours of Sunday school, I taught the second hour and the youth pastor would teach the other. With the new schedule there would be only one Sunday school hour. When I heard this I thought that may be my chance to leave, since I didn’t want to leave handing over a burden to the church. But, with the youth pastor leaving that wouldn’t be the case, as it seemed like I would be teaching the new combined class.
Today I talked to the departing youth pastor, and he informed me that the church has decided that in the future they would prefer a member of the church faculty be the one to teach the Sunday school classes when youth are involved. Not being part of the faculty, that means it won’t be me.
I’ve prayed about how and when to leave for a few years, but my responsibility to serving the youth has been the one thing holding me back the whole time. As of next Sunday that is no longer an issue. So, now I am free to leave to seek greener pastures and a church that proudly proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is relieving to finally have this happening, but it is also very difficult knowing that I will have to say goodbye to the youth I have had the opportunity to get to know and to teach. Also, the worst of it is, the one who will be replacing me doesn’t teach the Gospel.
I ask for prayer for the youth, that they will remember what I have taught them and that the Holy Spirit would do a work in them to regenerate their hearts and lead them to saving faith. That all would be at peace, myself included, in my departure from this church. Also, that I would find a good church to worship and serve in.
To God Be the Glory.
Amen. To God Be the Glory!
Praying. I've known this same conflict. It's amazing and wonderful the myriad ways God leads us, usually in quite unexpected ways, but always for His glory! Isaiah 63:7-14; 42:16-17.
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I too had a similar Exodus experience: Coming from a Roman Catholic background I would say the pendulum from error to truth for me as greatly swayed. After being told the Gospel from my brother, before leaving to be apart of a ministry, left me with only a Bible and said if you really want to know the truth, God will reveal it to you. I spent the next few months reading the Bible, from cover to cover. Finding out how much I wasn't "good" and solidified the truth my brother was sharing with me. I was living a life of superficial religiosity and hypocrisy. I cried out to Christ to save me. And he did. Giving me new desires and love for his word. I had so many questions, and like a very young unlearned Christian-I attempted to solve the mind of God. Literally I felt I was going insane. I later found out that one of the dilemmas was known as Calvinism vs. Arminianism. I found Mark Driscoll's sermons (though I personally no longer really listen to him, Elephant Room, Real Marriage, etc) on "Doctrine" which explained the predestination and election clearly and understandably. Which would be the starting point for my inner convictions to this being the Biblical truth. I ended moving to Corpus Christi, where I still reside, to a seeker-sensitive Assemblies of God church. Which in retrospective, probably wasn't the best idea. I was baptized there and started getting really involved in it, reading my Bible and listening to early WOTM/Todd Friel radio podcasts daily. How I found those sites and pages I have no idea now! But thanks be to God I did. It was ultimately John MacArthur (after hearing of him through the Driscoll's Song of Solomon ordeal) that got me to want to see what was the alternative to what he was giving. I found, and still find his exposition of scripture and explaining the text that sealed the Sovereignty of God and the doctrines of Grace on my heart and tore me from leaving the church I was attending. I was finding it very difficult to sit under a Wesleyan Arminian pastor and church. The use of the "sinner's prayer" after having studied the Bible and listening to sermons on the opposing end of that made it extremely hard to stay. I had grown to have great friendships there and was deep in the choir. But God moved on me to find a new church, I came across 9Marks website in searching for a Biblical church and by God's providence led me to a Reformed church whose pastor I actually contacted with my issues before leaving!. I had even ordered free tracts from their ministry online without knowing! They are a church plant affiliated with Heart Cry Missionaries, Paul Washer and the I'll Be Honest website. It's so great to find a Bible teaching, Gospel preaching. Reformed church (which I hear are few in this area) where the sweet smell of Tulippy truths fills the air. Tell Miriam to pull the tambourine away! We are in the Land of Milk and Honey now! Praise be only to Christ for saving an unworthy wretch. Opening my eyes to the truth, and calling me His own. Soli Deo Gloria
Thanks for sharing, brother.
I started out in a word of faith church, where I got saved. After moving I came across Mark Driscoll's podcast accidently while looking for Rob Bell's. Praise God for His Sovereignty in that mistake! I no longer listen to Driscoll because of the recent stuff either. It is sad to see how far Pastor Mark has fallen over the last couple of years.
Mark Driscoll lead me to Calvinism, in particular his sermon and Q&A from the Doctrine series, I believe.
I still don't listen to John MacArthur much, but it is for lack of time with all of the other podcasts I listen to.
I listed to Todd Friel's Wretched Radio daily, and I really appreciate his discernment. I also listen to Fighting for the Faith daily. Chris Rosebrough hits hard on doctrinal issues, and he has quite a bit of insight into things. I would highly recommend his podcast. Fighting for the Faith
I'm currently in an SBC church that is somewhat seeker sensitive, but reformed in doctrine.