24 Days

That’s all the time I have left in my current role as Worship Arts Director at Saanich Baptist Church.

I’m young, I’ve only got 7 years of ministry experience under my belt.  In those 7 years I have seen a few comings and goings of ministry staff.  I’ve noticed things about each one.  I’ve especially admired those who have remained committed to their church until the very last day they collect a pay cheque.  I have noticed how much the people they are leading and serving have appreciated that commitment.  I have noticed that it makes it much easier for the next person who comes in to fill that gap.  I have also tragically witnessed the disarray, frustration, and fizzling out of church goers who perhaps felt abandoned by the staff member in transition.

When I told my Sr. Pastor that I was leaving I told him I would be committed to the very end.  I meant it.  I meant it because I respected and appreciated him.  I meant it because I love the people I serve.  I meant it because my congregation deserves the very best I have to give.  I meant it because I truly believe it will make me a better leader as I transition into what’s next.

24 days.

You’re probably not going to be surprised to hear this but it’s hard.  The temptation is certainly to coast.  I’m excited about vacation.  I’m excited about the new ministry opportunity that awaits me.  And that’s just it, it’s waiting.  It will wait.  It’s not going anywhere.  And for right now this is where I am, this is where I want to be, and this is the opportunity God has given me.

I have 4 Sundays left.  4 Sundays to lead the congregation I love in worship of our amazing God.  24 days of coffee conversations with volunteers.  24 days of thanking, giving, serving, loving, listening, teaching, striving, and singing my guts out.  24 days of solid ministry.  And 25 days from this moment I’ll sigh a deep sigh, and smile, and say, “that was awesome”.

We all come to times of transition.  Don’t miss the opportunity in front of you by looking past it to something that hasn’t even arrived yet.  You won’t please everyone on your way out, because you can never please everyone.  But stay committed to the end, for your sake and those who are counting on you.

Let’s do this!