A week ago during Sunday morning's service, I had a very clear direction from the Lord that it was time to part ways with Western Oaks. We love the people of Western Oaks, and we will continue to maintain many strong friendships there. I wish the best for you. However, it became clear to me that some lay "leaders" at Western Oaks want to take the church in a different direction. My attempts at asking honest questions to those "leaders" were met with evasive answers and inquiries about what my real motives were -- even though I have clearly stated my motives.
I will conclude this blog with a few more posts. After that, there will be no more. I want you to read why I am leaving in my own words. I have already read or heard inaccurate comments. One woman sent me an e-mail saying that she would pray for me because she knew how unhappy I had been. To the contrary, I replied, I have never been unhappy; I was more accurately grieved by what I saw going on by our "leaders." If she persists in telling others at Western Oaks that I had been unhappy, then she will be a liar. I know that false statements like hers will be assumed by others to be true if an attempt is not made to set the record straight.
I have avoided posting for more than a week because we wanted to call our friends directly about our decision, rather than post it on the blog. That has been accomplished.
Again, I wish our many friends all God's best. I am grateful for the ways that God has used many of you to touch our lives over the years.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thanks to All But It's Time to Move On.
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2 comments:
Michael,
I simply want to thank you for following what God clearly has laid on your heart for the people of WOBC in your blog. You have blended both the courage to say things that needed to be said, with the grace and maturity.
So often, if we do have the courage to do or say something, we don't also have the self-control to know when to stop. You have mastered them both.
God has used you as an example to my family on how to deal this type of situation, with resolve AND integrity.
I pray God's continued blessing on you and your family, as well as all of the people at WOBC.
Kevin McConnell
Michael,
We want to say a BIG "ditto" to Kevin McConnell's words! Thank you for your effort in trying to get answers to some questions that many of the members of WOBC had.
We also have friendships developed at that church. Those relationships will continue even though our membership at WOBC has ended.
We have enjoyed reading your blog, and appreciate the way you put yourself out there as a voice for many of us. Also...Thanks for the info on Pastor Jeff's blog. We will faithfully keep up with it.
Ron & Linda Sczurko
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