Today is the first day of a four week sabbatical I am taking after a series of life events that have caught up to me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Basically, I am tired in all three area and need time to unplug and rest. Someone asked me what a sabbatical is. One of the easiest ways to explain a sabbatical is to think of the word sabbath. Sabbath in the Bible was the day of rest God took after creating and he commanded that man should take a day of rest (sabbath) each week. A sabbatical is an extended time of rest from work, or a hiatus. Some people use sabbaticals to do research or write a book, I am using it to rest and seek God as we are about to enter a new season of life and ministry.
About one month ago Julie and I found out that our youngest daughter Emily, who is eighteen is pregnant. For those of you who know what my “occupation” is (pastor), you can imagine the shock. When I think about it, it would be a shock for any parent to find out that their teenage daughter is pregnant. After the shock of hearing the news, I admit to feelings of anger, disappointment, fear and one that surprised both Julie and I was numbness. We did not know what to do or say. It was like that for several days as we just loved on Emily and let her know that we were there for her and would be through her pregnancy.
Almost immediately she told us that she wanted to keep the baby and raise it in a loving home. We thanked God that the little girl with pigtails had grown into a beautiful young woman who cherished the life of the unborn child within her. As parents, we have taught our daughters that we are pro-life, believing that life begins at conception and is precious in God’s eyes and that each life has a purpose to fulfill. Emily and her baby’s father participated in sinful behavior by having sex outside of marriage according to the word of God, the Bible. She understands that and is truly repentant and sorrowful. As we have loved on her we have told her and others what’s done is done, forgiveness has been given, now lets focus on Emily’s health and the health of that little boy she is carrying.
After we found out about her pregnancy, we all agreed that we needed to share this information with our church publicly. On the Sunday we shared, 5/17, Darin, the worship pastor at Bridge Church spoke on carrying one another’s burdens. After his sermon, I shared the news of Emily’s pregnancy and Julie and Emily joined me up front. As I read a statement that Emily had prepared, people, one by one began to come up front and encircle our family. Our friends were demonstrating grace to Emily in a way she had not experienced outside that of God’s direct grace to her.
Planting a church from scratch three years ago has also taken it’s toll on our family. Activities such as week after week of setting up and tearing down, hosting mission teams, organizing, meeting, strategizing. vision casting, administration, traveling extensively and speaking around the country just to name a few of the responsibilities. It has been a joy to plant and nurture Bridge Church and I would do it again tomorrow if God opened the door, but I would do many things differently.
So, keep us in prayer over the next for weeks as we take this time of rest.
