As I posted on Twitter and Facebook, yesterday after worship service I resigned from First Baptist Church. There are many reasons for this, and I will blog about it coming up in the future. For now, let me just say that it was one of the hardest–definitely in the top 5 hardest things I’ve ever done. I had announced to the staff and deacons the previous Wednesday what was happening and I cried and cried and cried. They were very gracious and prayed for me. Somehow I managed to get through Sunday without breaking down, although Mrs. Greenbean rightly spotted a couple of times during the sermon itself when I almost lost control.
Here is a copy of my resignation letter.
Resignation Letter
7 July 2013
The Lord gives.
The Lord takes away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
For 14 years, in fact in three weeks it will be exactly 14 years, I have served as your senior pastor. My tenure has been marked by change, and this process of change has not always been easy, but the church has bravely, and necessarily, moved forward. Where other churches have shrunk back and lived in fear with comfortable truth, First Baptist Port Orchard has lived by faith.
It has been a privilege, an honor, and a joy to be your spiritual leader during these years.
When we came here in 1999, we knew that the Lord had called us here to serve, work, learn, and share life with you. And we have, all four of us Greenings, served, worked, learned and shared a good life. But now, the Lord is speaking to my family and I again, and it is apparent to us that more change is in store for both us and for First Baptist. He is speaking to us about new adventures that lay ahead and different kinds of ministry. Jesus is calling us away.
Therefore, I resign as your pastor, effective July 20, 2013. Next Sunday will be my last one with you as your senior pastor.
Peace,
Dr. Jamie Greening
8 responses to “I DID A VERY, VERY, VERY HARD THING YESTERDAY”
It was a very hard thing to go through, but your family and friends are loving you and supporting you through this difficult time. I love you so very much, cute man! Xxxxxoooooopppppp
i am a cute man.
I am disappointed for a selfish reason. But I have much respect for you and know you would not do anything if it was not the Lord’s direction for your life. I will pray for your transition time. May God continue to bless your special family. My love goes with you.
thank you gloria. it was a hard thing to do, but i know it was right. again, thanks so much for your kindness.
Jamie, I am so sad to hear about you and your family leaving, even tho I know God “gives and takes away”, it is not always easy to change. I do look forward to see how God will be using you all in the future, and as long as “Pastor Greenbeen” continues to write, I will get to hear about it. Love you all, Sue Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2013 16:52:18 +0000 To: obanwbcsbc@msn.com
sue,
leaving was very hard because of wonderful folks like you and ed. being a part of the oba and serving with the great pastor’s and leaders from other churches was a blessing. i hope to continue those relationships and nurture them on the blog, fb, and in real life when we come up to visit. that is when i will bring a trunk full of books and sell them in the church parking lot! thanks again sue, being your friend means a lot.
We will miss you but we know that when The Lord calls to not obey would be a disaster for your and your family’s spiritual life. Please continue with your blog.. I will have to learn how to use one,,God Bess and keep you dear, dear friend and Pastor..
you are so sweet ann, thank you for the encouragement. i absolutely plan to continue with the blog and other kinds of writing. that is one of the reasons i am making this transition so i can write more. thanks again for your prayers. it has been a privilege to be pastor for you and your wonderful husband.