One thing you can always count on is change. Only God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Other than that, everything changes. And so it is with our church staff. Dave Johnson, Lauren, Caleb and Jonah have been with us for a year now. They will no longer be with us as church staff. They will, however, be loved and remembered as a part of our church family.
One year ago we tried what I call a “grand opportunity”. Our church staff, our Elders and Dave knew and understood that Dave was coming to us without experience or the educational background usually required for this position. He had never been a pastor and had never worked full time on a church staff. Even knowing this, we thought it was absolutely worth the effort to see if God was calling Dave full time as a Pastor of Worship. Dave’s church in Orlando “licensed” him to the ministry. That is like a trial permit to see if indeed there is a calling to full time ministry. It was, as I called it, a worthwhile grand opportunity. The trial period did exactly what it needed to do. It gave Dave and JIBC the trial time before he would be ordained to the gospel ministry. The trial period revealed Dave does not feel called to be a pastor and at this time, is not ready to work full time on a church staff. There are many things he can do.
Along with Dave, we have no doubt that Dave is passionate about worship. Even Dave recognized and said he was not really sure about the “being a pastor” part of his calling. Being a pastor can be demanding of your time, talent and emotions. In this season of Dave’s life, his family needs his full presence and ministry. That is hard to come by in a local church setting.
So, with very mixed emotions we will release Dave back into the work force to pursue all that God has in store for him. Everyone likes Dave. He is funny and easy to like. And who couldn’t love Lauren?
There are at least two potential bits of good news in regards to this decision. First, Dave feels this could be an opportune time for him to go back to school and finish a college degree. He is thinking of a degree in business, not music or worship. That speaks volumes to our decision. Second, he is feeling led to join with Pastor Brent’s core group going to start a new church in Baltimore. In fact, we are paying for him and Lauren to go there this week to explore the possibility. Dave would be joining Tim and Ally Waddle, Julian and Christine Benn as well as Brent and Jess Gordon in starting a new church in Baltimore. Dave would be able to continue his education in Baltimore and provide a ministry of presence to his family. Brent has made it clear to Dave, that Dave would not be going with Brent in the role of a “pastor” or “worship leader”. He does not have what Brent is looking for in a Worship Leader. Another confirmation that this was the right decision. He would be going as a member of the core group for support. If that happens, just imagine: anyone going to the Baltimore area could visit what I am calling “James Island’s North Campus”! LOL.
We love Dave, Lauren, Caleb and Jonah. We will do our best to bless them and help them as they write this new chapter of their lives. Please keep them in your prayers. Next week we will have more to share with you about our worship and connection ministries. Fred Hudson has agreed to serve as the interim Worship Leader at this time. I have every confidence that he will do a good job.
Thank you again for your prayers and support.
Pastor Tom
