Watching the comments on facebook it became quickly apparent that not everyone had heard the news of the Ferguson family’s transitions from Houston, Texas to Birmingham, Alabama and from Grace Presbyterian to Mountaintop Community Church.
The short version is that today was my last day at Grace. Tomorrow I load up my pickup and a U-Haul trailer, drive to Birmingham and on Tuesday begin a new season of ministry. Between now and Thanksgiving we will be back and forth a bit between Birmingham and Houston as we tackle all the logistics of a move.
For a little more detail here's a slightly updated repost from September:
Since last spring I have been diligently and prayerfully engaged in what I can only describe as a season of intense wrestling with God as I’ve sought to discern what He is saying to me and to His church. I’ve sought the counsel of family, friends and mentors and devoted myself to hearing His voice amidst what at times seems like a cacophony of voices. The wrestling has been painful but it has brought me closer to Jesus and better able to discern His voice and call.
Ultimately it became clear that God is calling me to a future beyond Grace Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA). Today was my last day as Pastor of Grace and, after 18 years, my last day as a Pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA). It’s a decision that comes with lots of emotions, but Kim and I are convinced that this is God’s calling and fully trust that it is part of His plan for our lives.
Although we are leaving the PC(USA) and Grace I still love and I am called to serve the church, therefore I am excited that God has called me to serve as Senior Pastor at Mountaintop Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
I am convinced that there are greater things ahead as we remain committed to His vision to introduce Jesus Christ and His love and life to the world wherever we are serving in His Kingdom..
Handwritten inside the cover of my Bible is this promise from Isaiah 43: 19 –
See I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it?
I look forward to living into His new things. To the glory of God!
Hi Doug, good to catch up on what God is doing with your sweet family through your blog. Hello to Kim for us and know if you ever make it to south Ms you have a place to stay. let the girls know you know someone w a open bedroom near the beach they are welcome. I am sure these changes have not been taken lightly and have not always been easy. may God bless your faithfulness as you follow him. Linda (and Earl) darphin
ReplyDeleteThank you for sending this to me, Doug. Our son just left a PCUSA church to do a non-denominal church plant in Danville, CA where he has been a pastor for 7 1/2 years. He is doing this under the guidance of SOMA Communities in Tacoma WA. Scott and the elders at CPC Danville have graciously agreed with this call on his life and are offering some support for the next year.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are finding continued blessings in your move to Alabama.