This past week I sent a letter of resignation to the members and friends of Legacy Christian Church. I hated writing a letter of resignation.
I don't like that word – resignation. It sounds so negative to me. If feels and sounds like I am quitting and I am not. It sounds like I have failed, and that is not the case. I am leaving this church. But I am not unhappy. I haven't been forced out. I am not disappointed. It is just simply time for me to move on. The only thing negative about the whole deal (From my perspective) is that I have to leave some of the most important people in my life. While in Harrison I have formed some of the deepest and most meaningful relationships of my life. And when I leave these relationships will be forever changed. They will not end but they will surely be profoundly changed. And I hate that.
In the years I have served God in Harrison, I have consistently been a change agent. I have suggested changes, I have led us in changing, I have encouraged us as a church to try new things. For this reason most people have concluded that I like change. The truth is I hate change. I hate changing and I hate being around people and things that are changing. But I have consistently been an agent of change because without change this church would not have survived. Instead of being the pastor with the longest tenure, I would have had the distinction of being the last pastor to serve the church. At the rate it was dying, First Christian Church of Harrison did not have 20 years of life left in it. Unfortunately, that is true of many mainline denominational churches. And just as unfortunate is the fact that most church members and most church leaders are totally unaware of that reality.
Yes, I am all about change. But I don't like it. My deal is that as much as I dislike change, I dislike overseeing the death of a church even more. More churches than you can imagine are facing that same choice and I am consistently amazed how many choose death over change.
As much as I am struggling with change personally, on the other hand, I am extremely excited about the future of this church. Before I arrived on the scene, the pastor that preceded me called me and told me, "This church has unlimited potential." Under my tenure our church has become an example of the good things that can happen in a church in the 21st Century. Churches from all over the U.S. look at Legacy as an example of a strong, healthy church. But I don't think we have seen anything yet. I believe that what Rev. Zimmerman said to me almost 20 years ago is still true - this church has unlimited potential and possibilities.
As your pastor and friend I want to strongly urge you to look to God, look to the future and take this church where God intends it to go. I know I will be watching, smiling and praying.
You will always have my love and prayers.
Copyright © 2011, William T. McConnell, All Rights Reserved
2 comments:
I'm sure you will be greatly missed and I thank you for the love and support you have shown my church family as we struggled through some difficult times. You helped us to get on the right track and we are very grateful because without your guidance we would not be on the path we are today, changing lives for the better. Thank you and best wishes. Keep in touch!
Hi Bill,
Wow! So sorry to hear you are leaving. We are in Cincinnati now living downtown and have always appreciated you as a pastor. I so loved the fact that you were always ready to lead even when it did not feel good. Blazing trails where people would have liked to avoid. May God bless you and keep you in the palm of his hands!
Bill Hendy
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