Little Worship Boy! … transforming lives through the work of the Spirit into fully developing followers of Christ

Missional Community Outreach

Friends, since October of 2009 I have prayerfully wrestled with GOD regarding HIS call on my life.  Specifically, I have had trouble comprehending where HE has brought me—and the change in direction this new place necessitates.  It hasn’t made much sense.  As a result, I have been slow... maybe even reluctant… to let go of my understandings of how HE had previously shaped and ordered my life.

In all honesty, I have greatly enjoyed the last 20 years of my ministry experiences.  Dawnita and I spent a good number of years in preparation for the types of ministry work we’ve been doing.  And, I like to think… that maybe, we were even just a little bit good at what GOD had given us to do!

But, the ministry we’ve been engaged in was never of our own making.  There was no time when we sat down and mapped out a five year plan!  We were simply being obedient—day by day—to the things JESUS was asking us to be about.

Directing Everything

Letting JESUS direct the details of my daily life was a way of living that began for me at fourteen.  In 1983-84, I began pressing in to know and follow JESUS with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  My deep desire was to follow JESUS and allow HIM to direct me in everything.  And, I truly mean EVERYTHING!

During these years I began prayerfully asking GOD to lead me to my future bride.  I believed with all my heart that HE had created one perfect girl for me.  I put all my trust in HIS ability to lead me to her!  An odd thing for a thirteen year old to be concerned with, but this would end up being one of my most consistent prayers during my teenage years.

It is with great joy that I can report now that my bride of twenty years—Dawnita—is and has been the absolute perfect girl for me!  GOD gave me such a wonderful partner and friend for a wife.  In this matter (as well as many, many others) HE has proven HIMSELF time and time to be worthy of my trust in HIS ability to lead me in every area of life and faith.

Even so, the last year has been a confusing time for me in trying to comprehend this new place I found GOD had transplanted me and my family.  This confusion was compounded some by wounds we received in the last few years of ministry.  Wounds not given us by sheep, or even by the world—but, from supposed mature church leadership.

We’ll probably continue to feel the ache of these wounds from time to time.  But, our integrity and the manner in which we have conducted our lives and ministry have been reaffirmed many times by both GOD and man.  And, the SPIRIT has reminded me numerous times over the last year that the religious elite who sought to do us harm was of the very same spirit of the ones who crucified my MASTER JESUS.  If they hated HIM, why would I be surprised that they would hate also HIS servants!?

GOD continues to direct us in EVERYTHING.  And, though I have been slow at coming to this point, I have finally arrived and am whole-heartedly embracing the new thing GOD has brought us to.

So, it is with great excitement that I announce today that I will be taking a hiatus from vocational ministry for a time.  I already have not been actively seeking a paid church staff position—but, I’m making it official—I anticipate taking a two to three year hiatus from vocational ministry.

During my hiatus, I will be taking a job outside of ministry in order to meet the financial obligations and responsibilities I have in caring for my family.  In the last few months I’ve considered a couple of different options (including a job with the Dallas Police Department).  GOD continues to guide us in these matters.

We would greatly treasure your continued prayers for us as we prayerfully consider a number of job possibilities.  And, please let me know of any opportunities you are aware of that might be a good fit for me!

Missional Community Outreach

This does not mean I will be stepping away from ministry altogether.  To the contrary, I fully intend to continue serving in whatever ways FATHER directs.  GOD has only reaffirmed HIS call on my life.  That's partly why I setup Little Worship Boy! Ministry and worshipboy.com.

However, GOD has refined some of the method by which I will pour myself out in ministry.  This refinement has produced the Missional Community Outreach.

What is Missional Community Outreach?  Well, GOD is still shaping my understanding of all that it will be!  But, I can tell you that at its heart will be the Great Commission.  It will be about planting the GOSPEL.  It will also be about building healthy communities of fully developing followers of CHRIST.  And, it will continue to incorporate teaching worship as a way of life!

I’ll be sharing more about Missional Community Outreach in the days and weeks ahead.  I will also be looking at ways to gather support for this outreach work.  I’m not sure what all will be needed to get things rolling just yet.  BUT, I figure it’s going to take both finances and volunteers.

Would you prayerfully consider the possibility of becoming involved with what GOD has planned for worshipboy.com and the Missional Community Outreach?  I'm looking forward to watching how GOD puts it all together.  I would love for you to be part of the team!

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