More Details on My Next Steps

First of all, I just want to thank everyone who has contacted me in recent days and offered their prayers for my family and me. I really appreciate that.

Based on the communications I’ve received, I thought I would answer some of the FAQs from recent days. If your question isn’t listed below, let me know and I’ll try to address it.

1. What’s next?

I seriously have no idea. I’m a strategic guy, but I’m without a strategy here. I’m praying with Emily and my kids. I’m seeking counsel from some friends I respect and trust. I’m waiting for God to tell me what to do next. I’m not sure if that will be a role in a specific church or not. All I know is I’m pretty confident God wants me to provide for my family, use the gifts he gave me and experience joy doing it.

2. Will you stay connected to NewSpring?

We have every intention of staying plugged in at NewSpring Church as long as we’re in Anderson. That’s where we see God moving. That’s where our friends are. Seems silly that we would even consider giving that up.

3. What’s the real story?

The real story is what Perry and I blogged about last week. That’s the story. Maybe I should have made up something else, though, that was a little bit tawdrier. I’m thinking I could have gotten more blog traffic with a scandalous story. Seriously, if you want a little dirt, one area that Perry and I don’t see eye-to-eye is the fact that he really doesn’t believe professional wrestling is fake.

4. Will you plant a church?

Nope. If I’m called to do that, God has not told me yet. Not that I have anything against church planters. I have huge respect for them…though not as much respect as I have for the guys that are trying to transition traditional churches. Those are the real heroes in my book.

5. Will you keep writing?

That’s the one thing I’m quite sure will continue. I’ve been writing since before you knew me. I was the editor of my high school newspaper. I took creative writing classes in college. I had magazine articles published when people still read magazines. I love writing. So, with a little unplanned extra time now, don’t be surprised if you see a little more of it.

6. What about your blog?

The blog will certainly continue. It’ll probably take on a little bit of a different flavor. Since I’m not working at NewSpring anymore, you’ll probably notice less NewSpring news and more content being generated based on what’s happening at other churches. And, since I’ll have more time to write, hopefully the content will add more value to your leadership and life.

7. Are you available for consulting?

I’ve received several requests in recent days for coaching or consulting. While I have some free time, I’d love to be able to help out. Based on my experiences in ministry, I might be able to assist you with coaching/consulting in the areas of ministry strategy, staffing and structure, leadership development, volunteer strategies, guest experiences, creative arts programming, communications, web strategy and online social media. And, if I can’t help you, I may know others who can. If you are interested in either short-term or long-term coaching/consulting relationships, just complete this initial online form to start the conversation.

Hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions. Thanks for joining me on this new adventure.