“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6
Dear Church Family,
As I finish my final day as your pastor, my heart is full with gratitude and joy for the privilege of having served alongside you these past three years. Your compassion, grace, and generosity have moved me time and again, and I remain humbled by the trust you placed in me.
Together, we’ve done some hard and faithful work. We’ve become more unified, clearer about who we are and where God is calling us, and we’ve laid a stronger financial foundation for the future. For all of that, I give thanks.
Challenges still remain—paying off debt, addressing deferred maintenance, discerning the highest and best use of the West Campus for ministry and mission, and creating new entry points for guests. But I have no doubt that God has already given you everything you need—in each other—to meet these challenges with faith and vision.
I am excited about what lies ahead! You have the perfect next Senior Pastor in Rev. Lindsay Kirkpatrick, an exceptional pastoral team and staff, and strong lay leadership to guide the church into a new season of vitality and fruitfulness.
On a personal note, I will always treasure the spiritual formation my boys received at such a pivotal time in their lives and the meaningful relationships they’ve built here. You’ve made a difference in our family’s life, and I thank God for each of you. You also made our final Sunday one we will never forget—thank you for loving us so well.
As I take my leave, I want to offer a few encouragements for the journey ahead:
- Keep opening wide the doors to all who are seeking Jesus.
- Say yes to a new ministry area—your leadership and presence are what power the church’s mission. Remember: we are Spirit-led, staff-guided, and lay-empowered.
- Embrace the Strategic Plan—support the new modern service, join a small group, or lead a hands-on service opportunity to share Christ’s love with our neighbors.
- Surround Pastor Lindsay and her family with the same care you showed mine. When her children are rooted in the life of the church, she and Kenton will be, too.
- Be open to something new—trust the Holy Spirit to lead you.
- Reclaim your place as a leader in our Annual Conference and in the broader United Methodist connection.
- Never underestimate the difference you make in Houston and beyond. Keep using your voice and gifts to lift up the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized—so that all may encounter Jesus in their midst.
I came as your Pastor, but I leave as your friend. As I begin my ministry in College Station tomorrow, I will continue to pray for you—and I ask that you pray for me as well. Paul’s words to the Philippians echo my own heart:
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ…and this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what really matters.” (Philippians 1:3–6, 9–10)
Finally, I leave you with the final words attributed to John Wesley:
“The best of all is, God is with us.”
Yes! …and Amen.
With All My Love and Gratitude,