Resignation, Resentment and the Radical Love of . . . Man's best friend

Okay, it's probably not the best of titles. In fact, since I am your pastor you probably expected the words following “Radical Love of” to be something like “the Lord,” “Jesus,” or “Christ.” This is something that we all know and believe - His love is radical and life-changing. But this week I have been impressed by the love my little (somewhat dumb) dog has shown me - without fail. Yes, dogs are faithful to a fault. He doesn't care what type of decisions I am making nor whom they affect. He doesn't care that he will be crated for a little trip and have to figure out a new yard, neighborhood, home etc. Nope, when I come home (everytime!) he does the same thing - he wags his tail in excitement and jumps all over me trying to lick me (my wife calls them kisses – yuck!) with mad affection. And, boy, have I needed that this week. That silly little dog has no idea how amazing it is when he jumps up on my lap and says, without sound, “Big person who feeds me and gives me drink, I love you.”

This past Sunday, most of you know by now, I publically communicated to this great church that we love deeply, that I have resigned as the Senior Pastor in order to pursue a calling in the Vero/Sebastian area of Indian River County that I believe, with passion, that the Lord has placed upon my life. This calling necessitates radical commitment and transition not only for me and my family, but the congregation at large. I know this is so and because of that truth, the decision came only after months of laborious prayers and calling out to Christ. It was evident, and still is, that to fail to pursue this would constitute disobedience on my part - a reality I would not wish upon my own life or that of the congregation of WCC.

You know, leadership is tough and lonely at times. It is so because the decisions a leader makes impact so many others and have far-reaching ramifications. The only way a leader - or better, a servant of the Lord - can make such decisions is to know that at the end of the day his or her decisions are held accountable at the highest level with the greatest ramifications. There have been a host of reactions to my resignation (I had a host myself when Christ began to reveal His will), all of which are to be expected and are okay! As a pastor, as your pastor, one of my responsiblities in this transition is to shepherd you (along with your elders) through these reactions to the Cross of Christ and His purpose for Westside Community Church (which by the way does not change one bit with my departure).

The reactions, as I noted earlier, have been manifold. Yes, there are resentments concerning my resignation. There is also deep loss, sadness, and a sense of “what is next?”, which always bring with it an air of anxiety. But there is also excitement and encouragement. There also vision and hope. There is also trust and obedience and belief in a Sovereign Lord who picks and chooses His ambassadors and moves them at His will, and, then, amazingly, provides even better than before for that area and those people who remain committed and dedicated to the call of Christ in the life of the local ministry and congregation.

To be honest with you, I am thankful for the anger and thankful for the pain, as much as I am thankful for the excitement and the encouragment. I am thankful because (in my mind) it indicates the depth of love that you and I have for one another and the recognition of the amazing and wonderful season of minsitry our Lord has allowed us to conduct together over these past 6 1/2 years! It illustrates the truth that we have walked very difficult roads and that you have seen my life and my family in ways no other people have seen us - especially as you walked so closely with us through the battle of cancer my dear wife faced just three short years ago. It is also illustrative of the fact that you, this great church, have grown to love and appreciate the ministry God has given to me in your midst and that I, your pastor, have grown to love you and take joy in the growth God has provided in and through the lives and ministry of Westside Community Church.

My prayer is, in the midst of emotion and wondering, that we will, as we have always done, bring everything (emotion, wondering, questioning, excitement, all of it) to the Cross of Christ and to trust Him once again to do for us that which we are unable to do for ourselves. God has something for all of us in this time of trial, confusion, transition, trust, and obedience. You see, as you well know, this is really not about me. Nor is it about you. It is about disciples bringing glory and honor to our Lord in and through all things, times, situations, and circumstances - especially the tough ones.

Over the next few weeks you will hear more from my heart in regard to this new calling and vision. The Lord has given me several sermons and thoughts that I believe, in His time, will begin to reveal and unwrap not only the next step I am taking, but also the next steps Christ is calling Westside to take. As we gather together, I want to ask that you continue to seek the Lord and find strength in His Word. There is much more to be done and much more ministry to be accomplished in and through this great church. Also, I am still going to challenge and enourage you to get behind this plant effort and see it as part of the Lord's fulfillment of His vision for this congregation!

You know, I am thankful for my dog. He is really awesome. I am more thankful for you and the love and patience you have shown me and this ministry over these past years. I am even more thankful for my dear bride and children, who have always been a constant source of support, love, and encouragment in minsitry. Yet I am most thankful for our Lord and Savior and the gracious calling He invites His people to step into and then provides as we do!

Grace and Peace for today and Beyond!

Biz

P.S. The elders will keep you apprised regularly of the transition plans, timetable, search team direction, etc. as we move forward together! Call out to the Lord and ask that we hear Him and see Him during all this and ask for His guidance as He leads us to His next Pastor for this great church!