I’ve been debating when to go public with the following. Today seems as good a day as any. I’m really not sure why I haven’t blogged about it sooner.

Several months ago, the elders of Sterling Drive and I decided that it was time for our professional relationship to come to an end. I’ve been the preaching minister here for almost six years. I almost moved on this time last year, but didn’t. The split is completely amicable. There are no hard feelings on either side. We’ve given it our best and given it plenty of time. I’m just not the right guy for Sterling Drive. I’m not able to provide them with what they need out of a preacher/pastor. They are not the right church for me. It’s not a place where my gifts are best suited. Their ways are not my ways. My goals are not their goals. I don’t think either one of us is wrong. So, we’re calling it quits. When we came to this understanding in September, it was agreed that I would finish out the year here. My final Sunday to preach is December 15th. We’re in the middle of a stewardship campaign now. (It is wonderful to talk about money to a group of people who know you aren’t looking for a raise!) After two more money sermons, I’ll get up on the 15th, tell a few jokes, a few stories, read a scripture or two and try not to cry. Then I’ll be done. The people here at Sterling Drive have been great. Most of them hate to see me go, but they also realize it’s for the best. I have likened this whole process to two high school sweethearts that need to break up but can’t because they get along so well, even though on another level their relationship is a dead end. They’re not in love. They’ll never get married, but they both feel safe together. To move on and get on with the rest of their lives, they have to let go. That’s what we’re doing.

As it stands right now, at the end of this year, I’m going to be out of a job. I’ve been looking for another church to work with since September, and while there are some strong possibilities on the table, nothing has been determined yet. I guess I’m going to have to practice what I preach and trust that God is up to something in all of this.