This is probably more difficult than leaving home when I was headed to college. I wasn't fired even though some will think it. I didnt quit on my church even though some will feel it. Although they are the extreme minority, they will scream the loudest.
However
I have been blessed to be able to leave a legacy. Im not perfect. Thank God he doesnt expect that. You don't have to be perfect to leave a legacy. Definitley not perfect, Most definitly principled. We all goof from time to time. I have friend that would say, "Theres always slack in the anchor chain." That means when you dont get it right, you make it right. As long as you get back to the right place, the right way, you still create a legacy. I cant ask my students, my kids, the ones that I do would any number of illegal but moral things for their safety, to do something that I won't do. I can't tell them to dream. I can't tell them to abandon life as they know it if I am not willing to lead the charge.
I hurt now and will hurt less over the next few months and then this process will start over again in July. Ill be sad on Wed nights and happy when i get Facebook mesages from kids. Leaving isnt easy but sometimes its right. How do I know that its right this time? I know it's right because a parent and a student both threatened to punch me in the face if I told them I was leaving and yet… My face is safe.
My church family is supporting me and my wife. Ill never know the words to thank them. They deserve more than that. They are supporting me for the right reasons. If you dont know the gravity of that fact, ask around to pastors who have left other churches. This is a big deal and more rare than anyone will tell you. I hope that since a thank you will never be big enough they will take a compliment.
I know why you are supporting us. Its not because you beleive in me as a pastor even though you do. Its not because you love me and i love you, even though that is also true. Not because your kids think im funny, because I would fight (literally and figuatively for your kids), because I have a truck and would help you move or build a stage or any number of reasons. I know you get it.
You get it because you know that leaving isn't leaving when you are a believer. Leaving means spreading the gospel. You know that the name of Jesus isn't owned by one church. You beleive in the bond that is greater than church growth. I hope that the people I meet as I travel will love the way you do. I hope they love big like you. No worries though, because if they dont love like you. Ill tell them about you because Ill be there… because of you.
Tears were shed today and will be again in July. Leaving is never easy. Sometimes easier when you are angry. Difficult, sad, joyous, tearful, encouraging and upifting when you have lived well. I am in somewhat of a different position in leaving for the World Race than the average racer. I am the full time youth pastor at a church in a community that I lived and ministered in for the past 10 years. My wife grew up here. Most of my friends are here. I said it yesterday and I have to type it now. It wasnt easy then and It probably less easy now because I have to think about it more. Libby and I will be an international missionary as of July 2013.
