going to denver
This weekend, I excitedly announced that Beth and I, and the kids have accepted a position as a Lead Pastor in Denver, CO. (Click here to watch the video of the service) Many have asked about the who, what, where, why, and how so I will do my best to tell you the story of how this all came to be.
In January I was given the number of an elder at Denver Community Church. I waited a few days wondering if I would or should call him. I mean, I love Ridge Point, I love where I live, I love my neighborhood, my daily routine, my friends, and my life … why would I want to go somewhere else? As I was arguing with myself, my wife reminded me that we agreed as a family to always take the first step toward and open door.
So I agreed to call. It was only one step, what could happen?
I spoke with the elder, and he connected me with the head of the search team. As I spoke with her, I decided to fill out a profile they issue that allows a pastor to tell the church a little about themselves. Beth and I worked on the profile together, and waited for the church to send us their profile. We eventually exchanged profiles, and I could not believe what I saw. In our profile we were nearly identical in our theology, thought, and vision.
A small voice said deep inside, “Get ready to go to Denver.”
I spoke with our Lead Pastor Jim Liske and he gave me his blessing in moving forward with DCC. We went through several interviews … they interviewing us and us interviewing them. Questions. Answers. Prayers. Listening. All of this over the course of 3 months. This all led to DCC inviting Beth and I out to candidate.
We flew to Denver just after Easter. When we landed and began to spend time with the faith community their, each moment was more confirming. We really enjoyed our time, and we felt they did too. We were excited at the possibility of going.
Then we flew home. We went back to our daily routine. We suddenly realized that part of going is leaving. Our prayers became more earnest, and our consideration of Denver more serious. As I prayed I asked God to speak with a resounding voice through His community. I asked that if there was anything Beth or I were missing that someone would raise a red flag and that we would listen to them. Conversely if this were of God, I asked that he would speak unmistakably through our community in Michigan and in Denver.
The week following I received a phone call from an elder at DCC. The church their had voted. Everyone affirmed the decision of the elders. It was unanimous. Beth and I took some time to think over the reality of this decision. But God had spoken, as we prayed, through his community. Last week Saturday, April 28, we answered the call and chose to move toward Denver.
As we do we are excited and sad. Sad to leave excited to go. We thank all of you who have been such an integral part of our faith journey in Michigan. For nine years God has seen fit to have us here, and as we go to Colorado, so much of you is going with us. We look forward to see what God will do in us and through us in the future.