Dear First Baptist Family:
As you likely are aware by now, Pastor Eric has shared news of his departure at the end of July for First Baptist Church of Greensboro, North Carolina. I’m sure this news stirs a mix of emotions, as Eric has become a cherished part of this congregation and has led with grace, skill, and love.
During his tenure our young adult ministry has flourished, weekly worship has nourished our souls, and our work with Ministry Architects (with whom Eric first connected us last year) has brought First Baptist Church to a bright moment of new possibility.
Some of you have asked Eric, “Why now? With so much going on at FBC and every pot on full boil, why would you leave now?”
I believe that even asking this question is a good sign. Whenever a church is responding to the winds of the Spirit, the stove will always be full of boiling pots. An important piece of Eric’s leap of faith in this moment is trusting that if God is calling him to a new place of service, God certainly will provide for First Baptist Church.
As I said in the recent video conversation with Eric, discerning the call of God on our lives means walking a path between two essential questions: “What is right for me?” and “Where am I willing to be led?” Discernment requires that we ask them often and with open minds and hearts.
Eric has carefully walked this path of discernment, and I know this decision hasn't been easy. For those who haven't had a chance to read Eric's letter, I encourage you to do so. He beautifully describes his process of discernment and the calling he has felt. This journey reminds us that God's plans can unfold in unexpected ways.
How do we discern the invitations of God?
What has it been like for you, as you’ve discerned God’s direction and calling throughout your life?
My own experience over nearly 40 years as a pastor is that the call of God rarely comes with trumpets and bright lights. It almost always dawns on me by inches and hunches and best guesses. Following the Spirit has felt less like cruising down a wide, well-lighted freeway and more like walking a labyrinth in the middle of the night with a birthday candle, praying for light enough to take the next step.
FBC family, as Eric travels to Greensboro this weekend let us pray for him. Let us allow ourselves to feel all that we need to feel over his leaving…and let us support him with FBC’s trademark love and encouragement.
Friends, as Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” We have light to shine and love to share. So, let’s grieve as we need to grieve and feel what we need to feel. Then, let’s be about the business of shining and loving and following Christ into our good future.
In the Great Love,
