Today I drove off the campus of Grace Community Church as I have done thousands of times before. But this time was different. This time, I knew I wouldn’t be coming back, at least not as one of her pastors. We are now in the throws of moving to Kansas City and beginning a new chapter of ministry with Mission Road Bible Church. As of today, I’m officially finished with my responsibilities at GCC.
I did not expect the flood of emotions as I turned right on Roscoe Bld. and headed towards the Hollywood FWY, but wow was I ambushed.
Three decades of ministry and relationships are attached to that piece of real estate in Sun Valley, CA. I love Grace Community Church. It is the place Kim and I met and married. It is the only church our sons have ever known. It hosts The Master’s Seminary where I was trained for ministry. It is where I’ve gained my best friends. It is where I have learned how the church is to function biblically. And most importantly, it is the place that has fed my love for my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
So, I hope you’ll excuse me if my affections overwhelmed me. Oh, and this was not a teary eyed, lump in the throat, try to hide it in a sad movie cry; it was a full on sob. And the immediate reflex of my soul was to thank God for His kindness in letting me serve at Grace. If Paul could have a good cry with the Ephesian elders at the dock of Miletus (Acts 20:37), so could I on the Hollywood FWY onramp.
But now it’s time to look forward. I am so excited about beginning my pastorate at MRBC that I feel like a bottle of Root Beer that’s taken a ride on a jackhammer. The people there in our new Kansas body are special. Very special. They have already adopted us and shown us love that is impossible to describe. And we haven’t even moved there yet!
I am especially excited for Kim and the boys. The women of the church have befriended Kim such that she feels like they have known each other for years. Our boys have become quickly connected to the students in the church and have already made pretty extensive plans for the Fall. And the elders at MRBC have become such gospel partners that I am tempted to well up with tears, again. (Not sure if my man card is going to be threatened after this post.)
All to say, I am blessed man. Blessed to have served at Grace Community and doubly blessed now to serve at Mission Road. And the treasure of all is doing it with my four favorite people.
Time to get to KC and join the gospel work happening there.
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