It is time to move on
I was honored to be a part of the Amadeo Church plant. It was a challenge and it was stressful at times, but at the same time it was rewarding and God is working in that church. I made lots of friends, and they will always be friends. But our journey with Amadeo has come to an end. I learned a lot while I was there and grew spiritually more than I have at any other time in my life. This includes our two years at VCCG also who blessed all of the folks that went with Amadeo.
We are leaving under amicable terms though. I have just not been totally in agreement on some things that the pastors and elders require of me to be in a position of leadership at Amadeo. God has been stirring my heart for the last 4 months or so and He has a plan. I'm just not sure what that plan is yet.
So I will leave with these parting words...
Thank you to pastors Ben and Robert for allowing me to serve the youth at Amadeo. Thanks for your prayers, your friendship, your encouragement and your leadership. Even though we disagree on some things, I still highly respect you both and am positive that we will continue to be brothers in Christ. Amadeo is an awesome church that is truly being moved by God's love. I pray for God's blessing on the Amadeo family as they bring Christ's love to the community. I am sure that I will visit your services from time to time. Please pray for myself and my family as we seek God's direction in where He wants to use us from here. I do know that the orphanage is definitely a main focus for us and that we will be supporting Hannah with prayer, financial support and service at the orphanage. There is even a possibility of Hannah starting her own orphanage.
Keep being MoVeD! Stay in touch and God bless you. We still love you all dearly.
Keith
posted by Keith at 11:58 AM
13 Comments:
Another of my favorite bloggers is going through a very similar transition process to yours right now. She just resigned as the pastor of her church and is praying for guidance to lead her in the direction the Good Lord wants her mission to be. (her blog is "The Owl's Song- you might appreciate reading it, even commenting to her too.)
Finding one's way, one's star in life, is a never ending process -hopefully a long one too, ya know. Prayers will be with you that you get that star's light to lead you.
Thanks for this comment and your prayers Jeni. I really to appreciate it. I'll make it a point to go to The Owl's Song and give her some encouragement.
Bless ya my friend.
I think you need to not leave man. I pray you will figure out a way to work through the tough issues rather than splitting.
I love you dearly
Ben
Thanks for stopping by my place. I'm praying right now for you and the next step, and for Amadeo too, since there will undoubtedly be pain and questions--no matter why you left.
Brother,
How did Shakespeare say it... "Parting is such sweet sorrow….." I'm not much of a Shakespeare scholar but I think it has something to do with it being a “See you later” rather than a “Goodbye”. Tough times man, but you can rest assured that God has a plan for you and for your family… you know… Jer 29:11.
If you find yourself wondering around the streets of Gilbert, lost and all alone… I know at least one set of doors that will be open for you.
Though I don’t comment very much, I still read your blog daily… so at least I’ll know where you guys land…
God Bless,
The Commander
I am really sad to hear that you are leaving us...but so encouraged and I will even say inspired by your attitude. You seem to be so loving and encouragimg at a time when you could choose bitterness and unforgiveness. I pray that you will continue to draw near to God.
Amy
Ben,
I am praying. You rawk man. You just keep doing what you're doing and what God tells you to do. Amadeo is blessed to have you as their pastor and it is growing. I just don't fit in anymore and feel I am doing the right thing.
Singing Owl,
Thank you so much for your comment and your prayers. My prayers are with you too as you wait on God to see where He wants you. Amadeo will be fine. It is a great community of folks.
Commander,
I've missed reading your blog since you haven't posted in a looooong time. Your comments are always welcome brotha' and I'm glad you still read my blog. I really don't know where we're going to land. But I know that God is right beside me and guiding my path. Keep praying for me.
Amy,
Although I really do not know you that well, I can say that I have been a part of where you are serving for three years. Your words are uplifting to me and I appreciate that. I am in no way bitter. I would be wrong if I was. Ben, Robert and the elders have been nothing but encouraging and loving to me and my family. You have a wonderful talent for the children at Amadeo. I think there are as many children as adults there. I thank you for allowing us to serve the children while we were there.
Wow, I can't wait to hear about this. I had no idea. Which is probably good and speaks to your positive attitude; however, I'm surprised by the gentle chastisement you did provide (e.g. "I have just not been totally in agreement on some things. . .").
I can't comment on the specifics because I don't know them, but I will say it's important to be a part of a local church and it's important to work through issues when they come up whenever possible. Again, I don't know the circumstances so I have no right to judge you and I am not doing that. Just challenging you to make sure it's for God's glory that you're leaving that body and not a pride/attitude thing.
So, don't take this as admonishment, I don't know what's going on and I sure don't have any right to have an opinion. It's not an opinion, just an encouragement to search your heart. But plug into a local church soon. That's our lifeblood on this cracked up ball.
Hey Carl,
I appreciate your concern. I am not going to talk about specifics on my blog as that would be inappropriate. I certainly don't think that I was chastising anyone either. I have a high respect for the leaders of Amadeo.
I am just waiting right now on the Lord and where He directs me. I have been nothing but loved at Amadeo. In fact, if I am in disagreement on something and stayed and caused a ruckus or a division, then I would be wrong.
Thanks for your concern though and just keep me in prayer.
Peace!
Brother Keith and Sister Patty,
I am sad that you have chosen to leave instead of allowing challenge and growth to happen in your life.
We have been blessed to have you as a part of Amadeo Church and pray that Jesus will lead you to a church that is not afraid to love you enough to challenge you to growth. I love you guys and am truly sad that you have left.
May Jesus bless and guide you.
You will be missed.
Be MoVeD!
Robert
Robert,
I am sad we had to leave also. Amadeo is a blessing to us and God will continue to work through Amadeo.
We did not leave "instead" of allowing challenge and growth to happen in our lives. We are being challenged and growing right now.
I do not really wish to discuss details to the world on a blog so I will not do so.
Like I said in my post, this is not a farewell. We'll still be around, and I sincerely hope that it includes fellowship with folks from Amadeo.
God has a plan for us and He alone will direct us on what to do next.
We are being MoVeD!
Just keep praying for us.
BTW...the next time I order a PPV UFC fight, you're the first person I'm inviting over. :-) We still need to do that.
Peace,
Keith
Well brother, I just found out you guys wont be around so much tonight at youth. I'm very sorry to hear it man, I love you guys so much!
Do as God leads you bro, whatever and wherever that may be.
My heart is definitely a little heavier, but there is often pain with change.
Good or bad, right or wrong, we all have to choose for ourselves.
You will be missed.
God bless you man!
Bryant
Bryant,
I am in the process of telling each of the youth. I just haven't gotten to everyone yet. We will still be around dude. You are in very good hands with Ben, Robert and Mark B.
They are all great men of God that you should look up to and follow their lead. Call me anytime man. Just because I am not going to Amadeo anymore doesn't mean we can't get together.
Peace!
Keith
Post a Comment
<< Home