Let me share some big news from my world. Yesterday, Perry and I mutually agreed that I should leave the staff team at NewSpring Church. I can assure you it was a decision that wasn’t entered into lightly. Both Perry and I have had this weighing on us for some time. Perry and I share a lot of commonalities in ministry and leadership, but, if you know Perry and me very well, you know that we also approach both a little differently – differently enough that I was not fulfilled in my role.
Just to set the record straight here, we’re talking about differences that would be non-essentials if I was just attending NewSpring (which I plan to continue doing), but the differences weren’t healthy for the church or for me in the leadership role Perry needed me to fill.
Now, before you start reading into this more than you should, hear me out:
- I still love Perry and the ministry of NewSpring Church.
- I’m still 100% behind the vision God has given Perry.
- You are a fool if you don’t think God is using NewSpring to help people meet Jesus and experience new life.
- Perry promised he’d still be my friend. (But I’m still not going to let him hug me.)
Where does that leave me? I have no idea. I’m not at all sure what the future holds. I’m scared, but I’m not worried, if that makes sense. I’m questioning God, but I trust God completely.
I have a huge passion for the local church and reaching people for Jesus, but I’m not at all sure how God will use that in the future. I’m waiting on God to provide clear direction. And, frankly, after more than 10 years of nonstop ministry, this unexpected sabbatical may be God-ordained.
With that, really, I could use your wisdom. If you want to teach me, encourage me, challenge me, slap some sense into me or anything else, I’m ready for that.
In the mean time, please pray for Perry, the NewSpring family and my family. I’m confident the best is yet to come for all of us.
Check out Perry’s blog for his take on all of this.
praying for you bro and your future.
Wow. I cant wait to see how God uses you next!! I will be praying for you and your family. If I can help in any way please let me know.
Chris
Praying for you. I did this in the realm of youth ministry about a year ago. Scarey, yet amazing what God can do.
Wow, Tony…I’ll be praying.
Also, I have a free internship open in my communications dept. if you’re interested.
Come on…you know you want to.
I miss you already.
Bold and brave, Tony. God’s gonna bless — now, WILL you actually USE the sabbatical? Praying for you. I can’t say how much I’ve grown because of your sharing your heart here. Thank you for being an example.
Tony,
My hope and prayers for you in this time is that God is moving you to the place He wants you to be. And I am confident that is exactly what’s happening.
Bubba
Wow, Tony, I’ll be praying for you and your family during this time. Wonder what window God’s going to open!
I’m praying for you bro and I wish everyone involved the very best!
It is strange my wife and I were just talking about you yesterday and how there seems to be a huge purpose and gift on your life. So having no idea what we were talking about it is actually encouraging today to see that you’re following whatever God has in store for you.
Sure didn’t see that coming! Thanks for all that you’ve downloaded to me through the years – May God’s amazing adventure continue in you and your family’s life.
love the way you guys are handling this. honest, mature, and with loads of love.
will be praying and pulling for you all through this transition.
Tony – I applaud your following God & doing what is I’m sure very difficult. I pray that God encourages you on the journey & shows up in unexpected ways!
I am praying for you and the Newspring family. Hope the best for you parties -
Tony,
I made a similar decision last October with a church that I had been a part of from it’s first service. Can only imagine the competing emotions you are experiencing.
The conflict you describe is what I felt prior to leaving. I had to discover that, while I shared a common desire for the destination, my approach or methodology were different. And vision is not just where you are trying to end up, but it is also the way in which you hope to arrive there. Traveling by car has different needs, focuses, and skillsets than traveling by air.
All of that to say, I pray God’s direction and provision for you and your family knowing that you will continue to advance the kingdom and encourage the local church.
John
tony- all is well and I will be praying for you and your future role in the life of the Church.
perry- it takes some balls to walk down this road, thanks for leading well and still being tony’s friend. :) *you should sneak attack hug him or at least give him and uncomfortable back rub.
God’s giving you a moment to breathe after 10 years of ministry. Enjoy the moment. You are doing the right thing the right way. Your best days are still ahead. Success to you. Success to the kingdom of God.
Praying for you Tony.
My word. What an incredible step for you and Perry really, to have such a conversation and it to end seemingly so amiable. Praise God. I love your honesty and your heart and you will be in the front of my mind Tony. My wife and I will continue to lift up you and yours.
Hey, Tony. I don’t know what to say. You have been a huge influence in my ministry from the first Simply Strategic book all the way to Killing Cockroaches. I have been a faithful follower on Twitter and on this blog. In fact, you inspired me to start my own blog. I’ll be praying for you and your family. I don’t know what your next “assignment” will be, but I wanted you to know how much you’ve impacted me and ultimately my church.
Tony,
Praying for you and NewSpring as you both figure out the next step. I know after the prayer and time spent deciding this, God has huge things in store for both of you! And it’s so nice to see a friendly “break up” (hopefully the online community will keep it that way).
Wow! Praying for you man. Scary I’m sure…but exciting to. New possibilities, new doors, a new day.
Wow, (seems to be a common word) I am glad that this is a God thing and not a “fallout” of some kind. Not sure where God has you going but will pray for you, Emily and the family.
I had a time of big decisions come up last Summer, “someone” recommended that I read the book “The Best Question Ever”… Nevermind, I am sure you have read it. :)
Can’t wait to follow the journey God has set before you! You are an amazing kingdom minded guy … can’t wait to eat lunch with you on Friday!
Definitely praying for you and your family…as well as Perry and New Spring. God’s used all of you to grow me & encourage me in my ministry and leadership.
I look forward to hearing what he leads you to next!
Praying for you Tony, and your family. Proverbs 3:5-6 will be a blessing to you!
God Bless!
Whoa! Total Mind Blow! Tony… I must thank you for what you’ve done in my life since I found your blog back in December. I’ve grown in my faith tremendously since then and that is partly due to your energy and enthusiasm for Jesus! I respect both you and Perry very much and I’m anxious to see where God leads you next! I’ll be praying for you, your family and NewSpring for sure.
Wow Tony – I wasn’t expecting to read that today! Just want you to know I think you’re an amazing leader and I know God has great plans for you and the Morgan clan! A big virtual ‘HUG’ to you all!
I’m really dissappointed in the way you and Perry – both bloggers have handled this. You know being straight forward with this kind of thing hinders the ability of internet rumors to fly, and link clicks to soar! You should have parted ways, and let a week or two go by in awkward silence so to generate some real buzz.
I say this in jest of course. God Bless You Both.
Tony, As a church leader at a small church in TN, I have gained so much wisdom and direction from you. Thank you so much for being willing to use social media as a teaching tool. May God continue to use you to influence His Kingdom.
Tony,
I’ll be praying for you and your family. I know someday in the future you’ll be able to look back and smile.
If by chance God is calling you back to Ohio, you let me know.
Todd
Tony… definitely praying for you and the family. Let your online community know how we can help you guys.
Tony, my jaw dropped as I read this. Wow. Sort of speechless in a way. But let me just say, you are an incredible leader. I learned so much about leadership and integrity while I had the privilege of working for you at GCC. I am a better person for it, and I am sure everyone who has worked with you feels the same way. Know that I am praying for you and your family.
enjoy the ride. it is fun when God shakes things up. praying for you as you navigate your next steps.
Praying for you, Tony… your family, and NewSpring. God has big plans… of that I am sure! (Jeremiah 29:11)
Tony – I remember following your transition from GCC to Newspring and being impressed with how that was handled and now to see the maturity continue with this new journey.
God will continue to use you in great ways for His glory and kingdom. Pretty exciting to think of what He might do next!
Hey man . . . I’m excited for you! My hope is that God calls you to Knoxville, TN to plant a church . . . of course you are his and I’m sure you’ll land wherever He calls you . . . I’m just sayin’ I hope it is here. Knoxville is ripe for a church plant doing things the way you know how to do them. Blessing to you brother.
A decision like this is scary and overwhelming. I had a similar experience a few years ago. God led and God provided. And He led to exactly the place I should be. I’m praying for you and your family…and NewSpring. May He strengthen you and lead you.
Brother Tony, I’ve walked a few miles in your shoes. I totally understand the fear without anxiety, and the questions with confidence. I’ve come to know the plans of God are good and He is to be trusted. These decisions are not to be taken lightly, as you are responsible for not only you and the ministry God has given you, but primarily you have the great responsibility and honor of having a wife and four children. So do I. God has always been more than faithful to provide when things change. So, with Godly fear and trembling, and with excitement and expectation, you step out of the boat. You’ll probably get wet, but you’ll be following Jesus.
Hey Tony, I am shocked to read this – really! But having read your books and blog posts over a few years I would have been surprised if you would have stayed in a role that was totally fulfilling and a God fit. It takes a big person to come to this decision as many people would seek to just get along and fit in as best as possible.
Praying for you and your family at what must be a difficult and uncertain time that God will show you the next step in your journey from which I will continue to learn.
Tony – I know several who are in this boat currently (me included) and I know keeping eyes off the waves and on Jesus who has called us out of the boat is the only way to go. Besides, life doesn’t stop and wait for us, so the journey must continue.
Tony
Praying for you and your family. Thank you for all of your service to Newspring, you will be missed. I just listened to Lifechurch.cc sermon this week, awesome you should check it out. God is so good.
Tony,
You don’t know me and I only know you from a distance – but I want to encourage you to soak in Isaiah 41:10 today!
God is so much STRONGER than even our own desires, questions, unknown plans! He loves you and your family!
Pete
Good thing to remember that God knows what He is up to even when we don’t have a clue! I know God will continue to do great things through both you and NewSpring, and I look forward to seeing what’s in store for you next Tony!
praying for you, your family and NS.
you CAN’T move…you just got your BB court poured! :))))
HUGS! lol
I believe God has a great work for you to do. Your time at Newspring has prepared you for the next step in ministry. Don’t doubt God’s leading you and taking you. He is going to take you places that you have only dreamed of! Walk in faith and He will lead you and sustain you in this time of transiiton.
God Bless You and Your Family. I just know that the best is yet to come!
Thanks for setting such a great example in sharing this information with love and respect for the kingdom. You continue to lead and teach through this more complicated time, just as you have through all the “fun” stuff you’ve shared.
Praying for you and looking forward to what doors open for you next. God bless….
I think that God has blessed you will some time to break in the basketball court you just put in…i am hoping for a simply strategic reunion.
Tony you are a gift to the church. I appreciate your ministry no matter where you serve. And if God leads you to Alabama I know a church that could use a guy like you ;-) We do have MUCH better football.
Praying for your family and for Perry and NewSpring!
Praying for you man. God has a place for you. I pray that he shows you where it is. So glad to see you doing this with class!
Praying for you and your family. My husband and I read your blog all the time and you bless us no matter where you are serving God.
Praying for you, your family, and Newspring. I have walked this road for the last six months, as my ‘unexpected sabbatical’ started October 5. It has been a very rich time of learning and growing – for the church I left as well as for me and my family.
William Bridges, Managing Transitions (http://is.gd/tIWk) was a great help to me.
Blessings.
Wow, Tony, that is big news!! Just prayed for you, Emily, and your family. It will be exciting to see what God does in this new season of your life!
I will definately be praying for you and your family! I know all too well that when God says, “MOVE” He means it! My husband and I have just recently been lead by God to do the exact same thing. God told my husband to leave his job and not look back, so, after a long while of praying, he did. I was 9 months pregnant at the time with our third child, all under 4 yrs old, and it was so scary. Still is to be exact. We lost all of our insurance and sometimes feel like we are just hanging by a thread. You see, the thing is, you and I serve a BIG God. Only Christ can take care of this and He will. He said He would. Scripture says He will never leave us nor forsake us. So I feel ya on the “scary” part. My husband still, after almost 4 months has not been lead to “the place” by God but several great things are happening in our lives right now and God is freakin awesome! We truly know He is in control and He is in control of you and your family! Praise him in this time for what you are about to receive! I would love to elaborate more on our exact journey but there isn’t enough space or time for the great blessings we have received from Christ! God bless you and your family!
Just prayed for you, Tony, and will continue to do so.
“COCKROACHES” world tour, (I’ve got some time…I could warm up the crowd, and then you could do some “reading” aloud.)
Something to think about….or not.
Wow, I wish the timing was right for you to come here!
Tony,
People in the office are staring at me because I just said, “No way” 5 times to myself. I’m blown away but am prayful and hopeful because I know you hear from God. This will only add another chapter to your next book on leadership!
Tony – I’m awed at how God is speaking to you and the way you are obeying His Call. Awesome.
One question though…when you’re gone, who’s going to write up the “Perryisms”?
praying for you, dude. i’m convinced God isn’t worried in the slightest trying to figure out what to do with you now. And i know he’s enjoying hearing all of us praying for you. Your name is certainly on his mind right now.
Hey bro,
I’ll be praying for you and your wife as you walk through this season. I know what you are going through and I am confident that God will be very present during all of this.
I also have been wanting to tell you this for some time, but Jenny Woodward went to high school together. She said that she loved working with you at Granger.
Wow! Now, that’s big news! Praying for you, Perry and NewSpring. I know that God has great things in store for all of you. Thanks for your leadership and your transparency.
Tony, went through the same alley three years ago. Next month, I will be going to partner with the organization I resigned. In one way the move devastated me, but God designed it to continue to grow me and develop me.
The place I left is going strong and I am, after thirty years of ministry, growing and developing everyday. God knows what we don’t know and does what we will truly rejoice in.
Just a note from someone that found that the alley did lead to a good place. Take the time to love on God and your family. Get ready for the next phase, it will be a great one.
Praying for you all during this transition.
Tony, I dont know you or Perry but be at peace. God is doing the similiar thing in lots of people these days. Take a deep breath, smile and let the dreams begin. :)
Tony, been there. But I know from experience that God always has a plan for the future (and the move is always better when you are within god’s will). Keep following after Jesus. His plan will be made clear.
Enjoy the brief rest in between. Take time with family, with God, and rest up because God has something big coming up. Prepare for it!
you are a great man of God. praying for you and where God will have you in the future!
Tony, thanks for the transparency in this situation. Praying that God opens the right door and that He will help your family with the transition. You are a blessing to people around the world through your writings and insights. We’ve never met, but I consider you one of my greatest mentors. God Bless.
My prayers are with you…take time to enjoy this time of sabbatical. God will lead you in ways you never expected and heal you in places you didn’t realize you needed.
I will be happy to do Perryisms from my blog Tony. Since it has been requested.
Tony,
Like many other posts here, we’ve been there. Remember God’s faithfulness in all he’s done in these last ten years of ministry. God is with you. I promise Kelly and I will be praying for you and Emily. This is just another step…
man, you guys are too kind. wish i could respond to each of you individually. just know that the morgan family really appreciates your encouragement and prayers.
i have the best blog friends in the whole world!
tony
[...] I don’t read blogs for one day and I miss Tony Morgan’s announcement. That’ll teach me to slack and get so involved in ministry that I miss all the hot gossip in blog [...]
As a Twittee (but literal and virtual stranger), I had several internal reactions to your post. After eight years in outreach in the local church I was “released” from that role last summer. (To clarify, this was an internal/spiritual release, not an employer release.) After an industry and location change it has been intriguing to see what passions and strengths have been clarified over the last eight months. There are still many anxieties but, as I told our church staff at that time, I still know that any other decision would have been disobedience … plus, I’m still excited about how God will use this time for His purpose and training, personally and (I hope) for the community and world. As I continue walking my path I will remember and pray for you and your family. ~ Christy
How can I say this? You are a classy guy and my respect for you continues to go up. Wherever you go it will be a win for them. You will be in my prayers.
Praying for you, your family and NewSpring. As you sift through the thousands of job offers coming your way I pray God’s calling for you, your passions and giftedness, and the opportunity to have the greatest impact all converge as part of your next step.
Best wishes for you in your future endeavours. You’ve been good for Newspring; however, I know you need to go wherever the Lord leads.
[...] Tony Morgan made this post and Perry Noble made this post. I am sad that New Spring is loosing Tony but am glad that Tony [...]
Will definitely be praying for you and everyone involved in this transition.
Tony, can’t say how much I have appreciated your blogs. You have been and continue to be a huge blessing to me. I know God has got big plans for you in the future. I will be praying that he shares them with you soon. You rock! God Bless!
Just prayed for you.
It’s a sad day with this announcement on a personal level. But an exciting one at the same time for this NewSpringer. I can’t wait to see what is next for you. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Wow! I’m sure God will guide you for whatever’s in store for you next. Just do your best and God will do the rest. Best wishes to you and God Bless!
I was so sad to read the news, but it sounds like this was the right thing, and there was much wisdom in you saying that this time off may be God-ordained. Ten years is a long time without a break. I covenant to pray for you and your family DAILY, and look forward to seeing you in 2 weeks at church – clayton
Tony — prayers your way from an avid reader of your blog and books. If God calls you to into a full-time mission of coaching all the rest of us, I know I’ll be first in line to sign up.
tony, prayed for you today. Will continue to do so. Sad to hear the news, but I know that God has great things in store for you. Appreciate your ministry to me through your blog and books. If I can ever be of assistance to you, please let me know.
Yes. This is awesome. Very excited for you, bro. Confirmation for what’s going on in my own life!
Tony,
Life is interesting! We at GCC were fortunate to have had you as part of our leadership team and you set good examples for us when you trusted your faith and moved on to NC. As long as you stay in tune with the promts and trust in God enough to make moves when the time is right, you will land on your feet. It’s OK to be scared sometimes. It can be a good motivator. I sense that, in time, things will work out well for you and your family. We will pray for you!
I echo the above – you continue to bless me as an example of following God’s leading. Will be praying and anxiously waiting to see what God has in store. Thank you for being transparent and real.
Tony,
I learned about your blog from Perry and enjoy reading your blog. I pray that Proverbs 3:5-6 may be an encouragement to you and your family. God bless you Tony!
Thanks for the most excellent example you and Perry have set for other leaders facing a similar situation. I appreciate what you do, your contributions to the Kingdom. If you want a brand new challenge, come on out to Idaho!
Wow! You probably don;t have time to read all the comments, but if you do, let me tell you, you are doing the right thing and God will bless you for it. My wife and I are both on staff at our church and she is stepping down in June because like you it isn’t the perfect fit and she isn’t fulfilled with it. I am in the same boat, but for stability within the church I’ve decided to stay on. This is the start of an amazing journey for you. Just watch what God is going to do! Exciting!!
Tony,
I enjoy your blog, the insight God gives you and your interpretation of it. Seeing you leave the staff is tough. (I don’t even attend NewSpring) Seeing you, Perry, your family and your church family handle this as men of God is awesome. Unfortunately there are many bad examples of people going their own ways, and rarely any handled the way you both have. Thanks for having some inegrity.
Wow, this was a surprise. I pray that you are able to hear God clearly on what’s next for you and your family. At the same time, enjoy this time of rest while it lasts.
Hey man. I’m glad to hear that you took the time to talk, pray, and listen for absolute clarity in such a huge decision rather than just “quitting right now” the first time you started wondering if you needed to stay. We don’t decide overnight to join a church staff…I don’t think we should decide overnight to leave it. So I’m excited for you as you continue to listen for God’s voice during this time.
Oh, and I still need a job so if you start a new company or something… LOL
Love you man,
Johnny
That sucks. God’s still God. What’s next?
[...] My New Adventure [...]
Tony, big “props” to you for praying through this HUGE decision and honoring NewSpring through that process. May God pour out grace to you and yours for putting his bride, the church, first ahead of your desires/friendship(s)/comfort. Enjoy the space and fellowship with God in this season as you find out what is next. Be BLESSED.
[...] recently, Tony was on staff at NewSpring Church. Currently he is unemployed. On April 21 he announced that he and Perry Noble (NewSpring’s Sr. Pastor) decided their philosophies of ministry [...]
Sounds like God has got you on a “Wild Goose Chase”! (http://theaterchurch.com/media/transcript/cage-of-failure/) Awesome!!
P.S. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in your blogs. You have no idea how many of your thoughts resound with many, many people. Keep pioneering through…the church needs you to!!
[...] you on what’s happening in my life. Though my family and I are still at NewSpring Church, I left the staff team about 10 weeks ago. Since then, Emily and I have been praying and talking a lot about our next [...]
Tony, I’m just another guy in ministry – a nobody, but I’ve been in a very similar situation (well at least in my opinion, who knows what you’re really going thru) over the last year. Praying for you and your family man… Love your passion, love your blog & ministry!
This is awesome. Very excited for you, bro. Confirmation for what?s going on in my own life!