“[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go.”
– Hebrews 11:8 (AMPC)
Sometimes you just know that the Lord is changing your season and He solicits you to step forward into the next chapter of His good plan. As rational people, most of us like logical and easily identifiable transition. Sometimes the Lord works that way; sometimes He simply says, “Follow Me and I’ll provide the daily details”. It is with that in mind that I can announce publicly that our time as Pastoral Ministries Directors at Florida Family Voice is concluding. This was my decision, based on the unmistakable voice of the Lord. There are no conflicts, problems, or offense. For us, it is simply an act of obedience. We enjoyed almost 6 fruitful years of engaging the civic mission field in Florida and have so many incredible stories, relationships, and memories we take with us. We are grateful to God and FFV for providing a platform to have those experiences and we wish CEO, Erik Dellenback and the team continued success in the mission.
So you may ask, “What are your plans then?”
Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.”
While everything is subject to the Lord’s direction, the immediate plan involves several things which reignites the original mission and reasons for coming to Florida and establishing Legacy Christian Ministries (a 20-year old non-profit):
1. Tracie and I are currently expanding our speaking and ministry schedules. The Lord is opening doors and we are grateful and would love to connect with some of our pastor “friends” across the nation. Tracie is an experienced conference, retreat, or special meeting speaker who will impact your women and help bring joy and maturity to your women’s ministry or gathering. DM or text me and I can share how we might add to the important work that is going on in your local church.
2. Legacy Christian Ministries is re-energizing as a resource center for churches needing teaching and ministry in 4 distinct and crucial lanes: Freedom & Wholeness, Family & Relationships, Future & Vision casting, and Finance & Provision. Lots of “meat” to put on those bones, but again DM or text me and I’d love to have a conversation.
3. Mentoring, coaching, and generally caring for pastors who are looking for a real friend (or if you’re like me, a spiritual father) who they can access with over 46 years of vocational ministry and 43 years of marriage advice. We love helping next generation pastors and wives succeed and enlarge.
4. I am heading back to 2 universities as a guest lecturer and adjunct professor to help train the next generation of aspiring pastors. One of these seminaries is planning on starting a School of Government and I’m super excited to offer my input.
5. I have some more writing I need to do. At least TWO, half-completed books in the lap top.
6. And, of course, after 25 years of engaging civic government, this lane will always find some expression in our lives. Once a civic missionary; always a civic missionary. If an organization would like consultation concerning activating and soliciting pastors into the government arena, I have some suggestions for effectiveness.
My personal confession has always been that I will be preaching the Gospel well into my 90’s. I am entering into what many call that “last quarter” of effectiveness and truthfully, I do sense that clock ticking. Lots of personal vision, goals, and aspirations I can write (and actually have), but I am needing the liberty and flexibility to go after “that (high calling) for which I have been apprehended” (Phil. 3:12). I have learned that God won’t steer a parked car, so we are putting “faith” movement in our lives with great expectation and sure hope that, “He who has begun a good work will be faithful to complete it” (Phil. 1:6).
As the Lord brings us to mind…Pray for us.
If the Holy Spirit nudges you…Schedule us to minister in your church and/or support LCM as a monthly partner as we build out a vision for empowering the next generation of pastoral leaders and help enlarge the Local Church to effectively execute the vision God has given it. DM or text me for details and we can talk!
We are super excited about our future. This last quarter of this household is going to fulfill, “the best is yet to come”.
Looking forward to seeing our paths directed and with whom they cross.
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