Last night after church I announced to our elders that I would be stepping down as preaching minister here. It is a decision I am extremely sad and disappointed about, but one that was necessary.
As for the reason, it has become painfully clear over the last several years that there are irreconcilable differences within the leadership of this church that make it impossible for me to stay and serve God here with a clear conscience. Those differences are known to some. I won’t go into them here and have vowed to stay positive as we leave. But what’s critical in all of this is the differing paradigms have caused a lockdown of any forward progress in this church, and that cannot be allowed to happen. My leaving will hopefully give the leadership here an opportunity to bring someone in who will be allowed to take this church into the deeper, higher, and richer things of God, and that this church will settle for nothing less. That is my prayer, at least.
I do feel good about what God has accomplished here in the past 5 ½ years. We’ve grown in our faith together. We’ve reached out to the community together. We’ve labored and perspired together. We’ve endured criticism and rejection together. So I leave with no regrets or ill feelings, just sadness that it can’t continue. But I will forever remain hopeful and prayerful for this church and the wonderful people here who embraced us and loved us as one of their own. That will never be forgotten.
I’ll let you know of our plans in a few days.
Too sad to ponder….
Brad, I heard of the news last night about your leaving. I was very upset as well as my husband was also. Although we may have not ever came out and told you, you are a truelly amazing person to us. We are blessed to have had you in our life and I think when you go to where you are moving, they will see that also.
I can’t help but be upset though and I have really harsh feelings about all of this. None towards you, but the leadership in this church. I probably would feel the same as you if someone was always negative about everything you did and said. I think every church has hipocrits, especially ours. You welcome everyone and you don’t judge anyone, I think some people see that as a problem, but I think that is what has brought alot of people here today. I think some want only the people that are within the church and don’t seem to want outsiders. Well, Brad, because of you, I can say that I know for a fact, that there are alot of people that would have never stepped foot in a CHURCH OF CHRIST before and we are fixing to lose alot of people when you leave us. It is so sad to me.
I do pray for you, Shelly, and the kids. If there is anything that you ever need us to do, then feel free to ask us. And if Tim needs ANYTHING he should let us know also. We would be glad to help.
I think I may need to talk to you more to understand things better. Because right now, I feel as though I just want to go somewhere else. If it weren’t for my family that goes there I would probably not step foot in there again. BUT, I know that isn’t the right thing to do and the right feelings to have.
All I can see is all the hipocrits over here in BB are probably all rejoicing of the news and it makes me sick to think that. But they are all getting what they have wanted for so long and I think they all see it as they are finally running you out of town.
I think you guys are great and I am so glad to have had you a part of our lives. Because of you being so open and willing to talk, my husband was baptized. And for that, he and I will never forget. He is very upset also.
I hope everything that you have wanted and was willing to do with our church, will be able to happen for you in the new church you are going to. And Brad, DO NOT let anyone change the opinions and the views that you have. That is what makes you so special. God Bless you and your family and you are in our prayers. Let us know your new address. I need to get your email address also, so we can keep in contact. Take care!
You will be in my prayer brother as you look for a new ministry. I pray that God will pour his blessings on you in ways you have never known before. I pray that you and your family will experience the love and comfort that only God can give as you transition into new hieghts. I know that God will pour his Spirit and anoint you with the richest of blessing as you trust him and follow His will. This is my pray for you and your family brother. I know that as you become more mission minded and emergant God will pleased with you Brad. As I told Ben Overby, ignore the critics, focus on Christ Jesus, keep the faith no matter how hard it may God and always follow His lead.
In Him,
Kinnney Mabry
AKA
Preacherman
Brad,
As I’ve read through your blog on different days it is evident that you have made an enormous impact on so many people. We totally believe that God has chosen you to be here in Valparaiso and are looking forward to the journey He has prepared. It was incredible to hear the announcement at church this morning that your family would be coming here. We are stoked and in anticipation for you and your family to join us!! On behalf of Valpo Church … WELCOME!!!!!
Ben Lamb
http://www.valpochurch.com