I’d been the college and young adult pastor at a megachurch in Amarillo, Texas. The church was growing. Our ministry was growing. I, however, had seemed to hit a plateau in my own journey. I was dissatisfied. Restless. I wanted more and felt God wanted more from me. So I prayed. And waited. I sought counsel. And waited. I fought with my wife (not kidding!). And waited some more. After a spiritual retreat that both my wife and I went on, we decide it was time. Time to step out. Into the unknown. And trust God.
I knew God was calling us to the East side of Amarillo. Literally, across the tracks from where we lived. I stepped away from my ministry position at a church with no job in sight, during the economic crash two years ago. We were anxious, but also trusted in God to provide. The church and I set a date for me to leave. July 31.
I applied for 2 jobs, both with our local school district (I found out about them because I was teaching a Bible class at a local high school). I was turned down for the first job within days. I applied for the second and didn’t hear back for quite some time. I thought the door had closed. Weeks later, I found out through a friend that the door might still be open, and several days after that visit, I got a call for an interview. On the day of the interview, I found out 33 other people also got a call for the interview (yikes!). A couple of days later, I got a call for a 2nd interview, and that same afternoon (after several long, agonizing hours), I was offered the job. The job was coordinating a college access and readiness program at the only high school (guess where?) on the East side of town.
The last 2 years has been a slow process of building relationships, learning to live out my faith in a different way, continuing to listen to God and follow his direction, and connecting with people and the community. Here are some things I’ve learned in the process…
1. God speaks ALL the time. If I don’t hear Him, it’s more likely that I’m either not listening or second-guessing myself that I’m not hearing God correctly.
2. Prayer works – but only when you actually PRAY. Often, the times that I have prayed for specific things (within God’s will) God answers, often within days (sometimes within hours – once AS I was praying, God answered). There are still unanswered prayers, but we continue to trust God for His timing in answering them.
3. I love the people across the tracks. Both my wife and I have gotten involved in the community and continue to do so . The people are warm and welcoming and have shown us mercy and hospitality beyond what I could have imagined.
4. It’s HARD to change, but not impossible. I had to change my way of thinking about church and the pastorate. I had to change jobs and my view of ministry. I have to be ok with a slower pace of doing and more okay with who I am BE-ing to the people we’re reaching out to.
5. God wants to use US to be the incarnational presence of Jesus’ Body to our communities. We’re not alone in our journey. There are others. There should be many more than there are (in my humble opinion). I’ve learned that true Christianity isn’t supposed to be a series of organized religious meetings and events, but an organic expression of Christ through service, love, compassion, and sharing the Gospel in tangible ways.
We’re about to start a kid’s club at an apartment community in our target area. This weekend we’re doing an Easter Egg Hunt and Party at the same complex. We’ve helped a single mom fix a fence and recruited her 8th grade son to help out. We even taught him how to use post-hole diggers (something every man should know how to use!). We’re scheduled to help another single mom paint the trim on her house next month. We’re involving people that we’ve helped in past projects into the future projects that we’re doing. We talk about God’s love and the reason we’re doing what we’re doing.
Now that I’m on the “other side”, I wouldn’t go back. I’m hooked, and I think my wife is too. Despite the change and the unknown, the leap of faith was worth it. It’s become an every-day adventure that has surprises around every corner. Everything hasn’t been easy or simple, but God has proved His faithfulness, and we’re excited to see where God will lead us and what He will tell us…tomorrow.
What a bold move you’ve made to view your life and your work in a new way, staying open to going wherever God leads.
Your story inspires on so many levels. Thank you for explaining the little details that bring it to life and help us envision you digging and painting and serving in such concrete and specific ways.
And thank you for linking up with the THC.org Community Writing project! Through you, I get to see what it’s like to cross over to the culture of East Amarillo, Texas–someplace I’ve never been!
Ann – thank you for your response and encouragement. I hope that my story inspires others to do the same.
They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. You have chosen to do something unique and that is making a difference! Your job in the school can encourage students to attend college, and your new Bible club will encourage young people to enroll to enter heaven.
Hazel – thank you! Yes, I hope we can use the club as an opportunity to enroll those kids in heaven’s book of Life!
Will,
Good stuff!! Enjoyable read. Keep it up.
wes and susan
Thanks bro! I will see you soon!
” It’s HARD to change, but not impossible. I had to change my way of thinking…”
Often I need to ask for God’s help in transforming my mindset the way He wants. Thank God, it’s not impossible!
Awesome that you two are hooked. 🙂 The part about fixing the fence was so refreshing and inspiring.
Monica – thanks for your comment. Thankfully, God is in the transformation business! Romans and Galatians have been pretty key in that process for me. Especially where it talks about living by the Spirit. It’s a continual process of choosing how to live. The good thing is that as it becomes more of a habit, it does get easier.
Dropped in from Dena’s, and love this story you’re living out. Getting into the community and living our lives with others — not waiting for them to come to us — this the way we’ll see the Kingdom happen. Blessings on your continued work, every day.
Lyla – thank you for your comment. Exactly what I think! We’re trying to do what Jesus did and commanded us to do – GO and TELL, not COME and WATCH. Blessings!
Wow Willis, this made me tear up a bit. I admire your courage and your faith. I struggle with mine, but I’m trying. You’ve got some good stuff 🙂
Lisa – sorry – just saw your comment. I will be praying for you. I’d be more than happy to talk anytime (or another chat on FB). I struggle with my faith all the time, but God also shows me that the more I surrender to Him, get out of the way, and let Him live through me, that it’s a much better response than me trying to do it on my own. That’s the whole purpose of the cross – Christ lived His life (and the purpose of His work on the cross) to show us how we could truly LIVE.
I stopped over from your sister’s blog–turns out she’s a big fan! This is a great piece. I love your honesty–fighting with your wife (no kidding). How many of us shy away from making big changes because we know there will be hard conversations to have. And, yes, God speaks all the time even though I’m often not listening or am questioning his voice. Nice to meet you here at your place. I’m a fan now, too. Blessings.
Dena sent me here… she’s right about her bro. All your points are powerful, but your #1 & #2 sent me quickly to my old knees. Today is THE Resurrection Sunday and I’m praying huge Easter blessings on your, your family, and your commitment!
Liz – thank you and sorry for the slow response. I’m trying to get the bugs worked out. I’m not getting emails of comments – need to get that fixed. But, thank you for your comment. God seems to bring me to my knees quite often!
Great post Will. I love your reflections (good/bad) detailing your leap of faith to be an ambassador for Christ out to where people are. It took me and my family a few years to detox from the traditional mode of church and a few relationships were lost in the process, but I would never trade it for the doors the Lord has opened for us in community, freedom and adventure living IN the kingdom. Very inspiring blog and I look forward to more of your “brewings”!
Blessings, Grace & Peace to you and your family
Brian –
Thanks brother! I hope all is well with you. My wife and I are fully in the “detox” phase – it’s been a tough year, but we both know that God has us where we are for our good, but mostly for His glory. Miss you bro! Hope to be in the same city sometime soon so we can connect! Blessings!
Love the report and so glad to pray for you guys as it continues to roll out!
Thanks Joseph for helping in the process. And thanks for all the prayers! Keep ’em coming!