January 18, 2012
A Letter Of Love To My Salem First Family
Last night I resigned as the pastor of Salem First Church of the Nazarene. I wanted you to hear this from me so you know my heart first hand.
The Letter To The Board
January 17, 2012
To The Salem First Church Board,
Eleven years ago last October we were given the call to come and be your pastor here in Salem. Once we felt God’s definite direction we packed our bags and announced, “We’re going to Salem.” Today, I submit to you my resignation as Senior Pastor of Salem First Church of the Nazarene. Just as I have always “known” concerning major moves in my ministry, I know that it is time for me to ask for your understanding and blessing as I leave this church that I have so dearly loved. This has come as a result of much prayer and evaluation.
Together we have journeyed and grown. I am not the same person that arrived here in 2000, and neither are you. Today my journey has come to a fork in the road and I must follow God’s calling to give myself to leading the congregation at Deer Flat Free Methodist Church. It is my request and prayer that you will release me and then commission me to follow God’s directives for my future.
I will forever be indebted to the Salem First family. It’s been a true adventure together, and one thatI will always cherish. While being your pastor, you have loved us unconditionally, prayed for us, and stood by us through the good times and those that weren’t all that good. As board members, you have served the church faithfully and walked beside me as my friends and advisors. Throughout my life, I will say with pride, “I was the Pastor of Salem First Church of the Nazarene.”
As you know, across the years this church has had some outstanding leaders. As you search for the next Lead Pastor, you will be constantly in my prayers. The God who brought you some of the best pastors, is the same God who will bring you the next spiritual leader for this congregation. As that happens, together we will rejoice.
My love continues,
Pastor Dave
Some Background For Making This Decision
Before heading into my Sabbatical back in the summer I had been in a wrestling match over what God has wanted me to do, considering whether I’ve brought the church as far as I feel I can. As I sought God and prayed over this, and as we measured our ministry here and looked at the future, we felt that God was prompting our hearts. I have looked to go nowhere, in fact, I have made numerous attempts to push this away and to distance myself from this call, but God has continually brought it back and kept it in front of us. This has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life. In the past few weeks there has been a transformation happening in my heart as I have sensed God releasing me from my responsibilities here at Salem. Just over a week ago, God made extremely clear His direction for our lives. It was a defining moment for me. While I w as grateful for the answers to prayer, I have died a thousand deaths over this moment because I hate “good bye’s.” However, Jer and I have come to believe strongly that Salem First deserves a leader who can help the church achieve its true potential.
Why This is a Difficult Decision
1) I love this church. For eleven years I have pastored you, loved you and cared about you. I have had the privilege of baptizing many of you, doing numerous weddings, dedicating your children, welcoming many of you into membership, and walked with you through times of loss. We’ve grown together, prayed together, laughed and cried together, and taken steps toward maturity together. My life will never be the same because of our relationship.
2) I love this community. During these years I have had numerous open doo rs of opportunity to get acquainted with people, businessmen, professionals and many of the people who live here. I’ve served on boards, spent time at the hospital, been involved in community functions, and met fellow pastors. It’s a wonderful community. I have made many friends, and I hate to leave them.
3) I love our team. This has been a unique and special group that God brought together to serve Salem First. I have found lots of fulfillment serving alongside each of them.
What I Want To Say To You
1) Let’s make our last weeks together special. Let’s thank God for our journey together and be together as often as possible.
2) I am committed to the future of this church. Jer and I have given our all while we’ve been here. You will remain in our prayers.
3) Show your loyalty to the church. This has been a great church for 100 years. God will provide you with a leader. Now is the time for you to support the church with your attendance, ministry and finances. We have a great Staff that stands ready to continue leading the church during this transition. They will shepherd you well. Salem First is ready for a compelling future. Determine to stay faithful.
4) Make this a time to grow closer to God and one another. Great churches during a time of transition unite. Give visible love and support to the Church Board as they search for a new pastor to lead this church. God has given us a wonderful District Superintendent in Dr. Stan Reeder. He will be very committed to help find an excellent leader for Salem First. He will be working closely with the Board. So, encourage one another during these days.
5) Release me to obey God’s direction for my life, with your blessing and support. Your love, encouragement, and pr ayers have always been a wonderful gift to us. We need them just as much now as we always have. Give your love and loyalty to the next Pastor like you have given me. He will have my total support, too.
In Acts 13, the church at Antioch placed their hands on Paul and Barnabas and released them to minister to others. Everywhere they touched lives, they were an extension of the local church. That’s my desire…to be released and sent out by you and the Holy Spirit, to touch lives, and together rejoice about the good things God will do.
I love you,
Pastor Dave
Posted on
Wed, January 18, 2012
by Dave McGarrah