I’ve written this post a hundred times in my mind, as I waited and prayed for the Lord to give us direction. These thoughts are deeply personal, and are dear to my heart. Because you’ve cared enough to join me here, I share this forming of our family’s story…to bring Him glory.
10 years ago we welcomed the first of our five children. 7 years ago we planted our beloved church. 4 years ago we started a school. And this year–this year, our family is about to undergo a major change. The Preacher has been the head of all three of these passionate pursuits–dad, pastor, headmaster–three of the most challenging pursuits we’ve ever known. Outside the home, these two ministries we love have been the most precious endeavors of our married life together. We have felt such a privilege to be a part of both, and yet; it has become clear that, after 4 years of trying to do both ministries, one must be released, and one must be pursued.
The Preacher shared two Sundays ago that he will be resigning as teaching pastor of our church, and will be going on full-time as headmaster of our school. It may sound like a mere career change to some; but for us, it has been a heart-wrenching decision.
There’s something about starting anything from scratch. It is not unlike bringing a child into the world or sowing seeds in a freshly-tilled garden…it is your baby. You are willing to sacrifice endless hours and energy to see it thrive. You think nothing of the heartaches and the challenges along the way because you believe in what you are doing. You long to see the fruit of your labor.
Our hearts have been knitted to the families for a very long time…that’s the way church should be.
We have loved, lost, and labored with and for these…we would have it no other way.
The Word has been preached, lived out, poured out, and shared over endless meals and conversations on our couch…there is no greater joy than relationships.
My husband has been an amazing pastor to me…I will miss his preaching and exhortation dearly.
Change does not mean the reversal of any of it…but it makes stepping forward that much harder.
Change is an ending, but also a beginning. Change is a release of one dream to grasp another. Change is becoming. Present progressive: progressing, but in transition.
Why is change so difficult, and why is it so hard to discern? I think the answer is simply this: we are creatures of comfort, of security, of expectations, and of control. We like change on our time, under our circumstances. But God, in his graciousness, rarely calls us to change in such a way. No, our loving Father beckons us to follow when we feel the most scared, think it most costly, reckon it most impossible. And if we trust him and follow in faith, he never ceases to amaze us with how marvelously he orchestrates all things, hold all things together, works all things for good, prepares all things for his glory. He is the Lord, after all.
Our family is in the present progressive right now. We are in the transition of closing one chapter and opening another. We covet your prayers as we move from one ministry to another.
It’s the same calling — of proclaiming the Word, of training hearts, of shepherding families, of teaching minds, of being the forerunner — just a different garden to tend. So in case you are wondering, The Preacher will remain The Preacher. 
Thank you for letting me share my heart and our story. It is a privilege to be here every day, forming words and thoughts from the shadow of the Cross.
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Thanks for sharing your heart and wisdom about how to approach change. It is very clear in your pictures and posts that your husband has a special gift in ministering to young hearts. Your boys are always on adventures and learning things in everyday activities. Your blog is such an encouragement to me as I endeavor to glorify my Father as a wife and homeschooling mama. Will pray for your family each time I open my email subscription each day!
Thank you, Aileen. What an encouraging comment!
I hope you can feel my hug to you all even over the mountain. We love you all and know you move forward in faith, trusting God each step of the way. God’s richest blessings on you all, especially right now. Here’s hoping we can get together before too long. HUGS!
Linda, your support and encouragement means so much. Thank you…and I look forward to time together.
Thank you for sharing this difficult journey upon which you are traveling. I love the last part of your last sentence, “from the shadow of the Cross.” As you move forward, in faith, cling to that Cross. Even touching the hem of Christ’s garment made the woman whole. So shall the shadow of the Cross continue to keep you progressing forward to the Goal! And may we all hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”
Your family continues to me in my prayers!
Yes, Michelle–that is the only hope for which to progress! Thanks for praying.
we continue to support you guys and love you and pray for you in this new journey for your family and marriage and future. so thankful for the example you guys have set for us in parenting, pursuing an authentic God-shaped heart life and our precious new home we call Oak Grove for our children. we are thankful for your sacrifices and long suffering and service and look forward to seeing what amazing good plans He has for your family as you step out in faith! love you guys!
Thanks for being on this journey with us, Lyss. What a blessing to share life together.
May God richly bless your family in these new changes.
Thank you, Jenny.
thanks for sharing this with us, ruth! it’s wonderful to see you and your family pursuing the Lord’s calling in your lives even though it’s difficult. i hope that you and the family will continue to hope in God’s plan and feel His presence the whole way
Thank you, Grace. I feel the same way towards you and your family!
Oh, Ruth!
Once again, you have such a wonderful way with words. God is good and He is faithful!
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
You both are ministering to all of us parents & the students at Oak Grove.
You are continually in my prayers!
Joy, I’m so thankful to be on a journey together through Oak Grove. Thank you for you encouragement always!
Hey guys –
Thanks for sharing your hearts. We are praying for you, and are confident in God’s immense love for you both and for your sweet family. We look forward to see how the Lord uses you both for His glory!
Many blessings in Christ –
Jon and Alyssa
Romans 8:32
Thank you, Jon and Lyss. Love you guys.
Prayers and Love! change is always hard….but when God is on your side, it always seems a little easier.
Thank you, Jenn.
Ruth,
I appreciate your honest post and understand the healthy tension that exists between the choice of two good things. We are finding ourselves taking baby steps into the unknown too, and yet feel very secure in knowing that the Lord goes with us.
I can say that the headmaster of our school IS a pastor. He is shepherding over 300 families now….and proclaiming truth to parents and children alike.
Praying for you today!
Love,
Jen
Jennie, thank you so much. I’m grateful for your prayers, and humbled that you lift my family up! I look forward to seeing how the Lord leads each of our families. I’m so glad we are in each others’ lives…even if only through cyberspace!