Impending Farewell

March 26, 2013

Tonight I participated in my final council meeting for Christ Covenant Church of Grande Prairie. God willing, next week I will travel to Tennessee to commence my life there with my beloved wife and family.

Since May 2006, I have been granted the privilege of serving with a group of better men and better pastors than I am.

Men who are true leaders, who are truly visionary and forward-looking without being revolutionary or fixated upon novelty.

Men who honour the Spirit’s work in the ages of the Church, without succumbing to moribund traditionalism.

Men who have learned to bow before the Word of God.

Men who seek Christ’s kingdom rather than their own.

Men who know how to shed tears for God’s flock.

Together, we have made mistakes and we have been gifted with successes not our own.

Together, we have learned lessons in shepherding, both through somber reflection and hard knocks, how to apply the gospel both through sweet medicines and tough love.

And together, through thrills and trials, we have watched God give the increase.

Truly, brothers, I have known seven years of plenty. You have enriched me more than you can ever know.