We are, all of us, on a walk with God. He has invited us to walk in his ways and follow His lead, wherever He takes us. I have done that at Grace with many of you for several years now. But God has been leading me down a path for the past few months that, as it turns out, is leading me out of full time service at Grace Orlando.

This process started for me at the beginning of this year, where I began to re-evaluate with God where He has brought me, who I am, and what He has designed me for. As a new chapter in Grace’s vision for Central Florida began to unfold, I was glad to be part of birthing it together with you. But I also felt like God wanted to transition me into a more pastoral role than one that is almost solely administrative.

So, through prayer and conversations with several people, most importantly my wife and Pastor Mike, I concluded God is leading me into something new. I don’t know what that next thing is, but I continue to seek the Lord, with my wife, family, and close friends here. Pastor Mike is fully supportive, and he and I have walked through this together, mutually caring for the success of the other. While this decision has really impacted the staff, Mike and Kelly, and Anne and I, it is a “pain that leads to life” for all of us. Such transitions that are led by God are part of the life of any church as it grows, and should be embraced even though they are painful.

I am incredibly thankful to God for MANY things related to Grace. Anne and I met and married because of Grace—I proposed to her on the stage almost seven years ago—and you have been a part of our lives since, and always will be. I am especially grateful to Mike and Kelly Adkins, who have walked with, trained, and mentored Anne and I. Our lives have absolutely been changed by their faithful, loving friendship and service. They are the real deal! Many seminary graduates don’t get to walk into full time ministry in an environment as gracious, energetic, and alive as the one at Grace. I also am thankful for many other friends—practically family—whom I have served alongside of, countless hours in the hot sun (or in a hot trailer).

Adrian Lenti will be taking over my current tasks, but the job has been modified a bit to fit his skills and experience. Mike and the elders and staff have worked with him to make sure the fit is right. Having gotten to know Adrian myself, I think he will settle into the position just fine, and I trust God will lead him as he digs into all that his job will entail.

More than anything else, I encourage each of you to PRESS IN to the heart of God, to the incredible reality of Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice that is laying down your life for His sake in order to find life with Him far better than any life without Him. Also, seek ways to grow toward His people at Grace, always keeping Jesus at the forefront of your relationships.

This summer, Pastor Mike preached through some of the Apostle Paul’s letters. A verse came to my heart this week that really expresses what it is to be “all in” when it comes to being a follower of The Way: “[Jesus Christ] is the one we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that he powerfully works within me.”

I could write a whole sermon on this, but those who currently serve long hours for the church—whether paid or unpaid—understand this verse. Know that the staff and elders and other leaders live this. And their hope for you is that you would know the richness of loving Him, being filled with His Spirit, and laying down your life for Jesus’ sake. I am honored and humbled to have done so for this season of my life among all of you.

We are In Christ,