I love riding my bike, especially during the summer. Sometimes I just feel the call of the road to get out and go, and I don my gear and start riding. With nothing but a stretch of asphalt in front of me, I explore God's creation. God has brought Cynthia and me to that kind of place in life. We just feel like we have been called to get out and go.
In early October I spent time away at the mountains with Cynthia asking God lots of questions about what He had next for us. Stay the course at Abundant Life, start an artist’s retreat, a gallery in the city, work with a para-church ministry, all of the above… I was reading Shane Claiborne’s book “Irresistible Revolution” which challenges Christ followers to “care for the least of these” and could feel God stirring in my heart. I finished the book and handed it to Cynthia and asked her to read it, too. I told her I thought God was calling us to do something.
Four days later I was contacted by a recruiter for a rescue mission in California about becoming their new director. I didn’t open the e-mail for several days, but when I did, my words were (forgive the language) “Crap, this is me. God, is this what you want me to do?” I responded to the e-mail about the same way. “This looks a lot like me. I think God wants me to talk to you guys.” In the last few weeks I have emerged as the recruiter’s top candidate for this role. Earlier this week the recruiter turned over a 20-page profile and a 2-1/2 hour web interview to the mission’s CEO for consideration.
I don’t know if this is what God wants from the Clothers next; we are holding our next calling with an open hand. We have recognized that God is calling us to something new, and as such I have asked George and the Elders to transition me out of my role as Executive Pastor here at Abundant Life, so we can both prepare for the future. In the mean time, I'll be around on staff through December and help out as needed after that.
I have loved my staff role at Abundant Life and love my church family. I am excited for what God has in store for all of us. Will you please join Cynthia and I in prayer for whether this position in California is what God is asking us to do next? And if not, what He is calling us to? Thank you for your prayerful support and friendship. I'll keep you updated on how things develop!
Here's the official letter...Download Clother Transition 11.24.10
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