Letting Go…
As you all know, it has been almost three years since Susanne and I accepted God’s call on our lives to start a new work in Florence, SC. As we prayerfully began this process we were both energized and enthusiastic about what God had in store for us. After much prayer, testing of our faith, and examining our gifts and skills, Revolution Church was born in September of 2008.
We had a vision to make disciples and “be the church” in our community. God honored that dream, and we have seen 13 people come to Christ, 11 baptisms, and 17 make renewed commitments to Jesus and pledge to make a difference in our city. We’ve reached out to schools, neighborhoods, and other ministries in our community. In the last 15-18 months, we’ve seen God show up and show out in many ways.
As I reflect upon these things, it gives me a great sense of purpose in knowing that God can use a flawed human being like me to assist in furthering his Kingdom. It also makes what I am about to announce very difficult.
Revolution Church held its last meeting tonight, January 6, 2010.
The Bible is very clear that we are to love Christ with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength… after this to love our neighbor as ourselves. It also gives many examples of leadership that can only be successful if priorities are in the correct order. (I am thinking of Moses, King David, and Peter to name a few…) The formula for a successful ministry, more importantly a full and abundant life, is as follows: Jesus first, family second and church/ministry third. I must admit to you that for almost a year now, this has not been the case in my life. God has shown me that I cannot be the man that He has called me to be until I get my priorities in order.
Susanne and I have worked very hard, too hard really, to make sure the ministry of Revolution would be successful. We have neglected our health, in many instances our marriage, and our parenting responsibilities to see Revolution grow. This is not biblical.
We know that God is not finished with us, and that there is much ministry left to do, but we feel ill equipped to continue the ministry of Revolution Church. Though it is hard to let go, we will be forever grateful for the real revolution that God performed in our own hearts and lives through this process. We have been forever changed by this call, and we have learned a lot in the journey. Our small core has been through a lot together, and we pray that as we fervently seek Him in the coming days, weeks, and months that God will show us, each one, the paths that he would have us walk.
We are clinging to the hope found in Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a HOPE and a FUTURE”.
Susanne and I would like to ask you now to please be respectful of this decision and bathe our family in your prayers. There is much healing, revival, and restoration to be done. We will be “unplugging” for a while so that we can just be quiet before the Lord, cling to Jesus, and take some time to love on each other and our children.
Thank you all for being faithful followers/supporters/prayer warriors in this process. We love and appreciate each one of you more than you could ever know.
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8 Comments to “Letting Go…”
My brother, I know that you could not have come to such a conclusion without a lot of heartache and certainly without spending a lot of time praying over this very difficult decision. I know what it’s like to let go of a ministry you’ve poured your heart into. I don’t think I can put the pain I felt into words. I’m sure that’s where you are at.
There is more to come. It may not be something you expect. I was not looking for a youth ministry position when I was approached by the ministry staff at my current church. I wasn’t sure it was the right choice when it was presented to me. I prayed over it and prayed hard, and realized God was calling me back into the fray. I still miss the children’s ministry God asked me to give up. But I know that I am where I’m supposed to be. I know that if you are trusting on God with your hearts, you will hear a new call. I can’t tell you when, only He knows, but you will hear it.
You and your family will remain in my prayers, brother. Celebrate the fact that lives have been changed in an eternal way. Some who did not know Christ before you started this ministry now walk with Him. And for that, always rejoice.
Much respect to you two for doing the hard, yet necessary, thing. You will be in my prayers and I’m super proud of both of you for advancing the gospel in SC.
Wow Chris, I should have been keeping up with you better so I could know how to pray for you!
As you know, I went through this very thing a year ago.. if you need someone to talk to about it all, let me know!
“…13 people come to Christ, 11 baptisms, and 17 make renewed commitments to Jesus and pledge to make a difference in our city…”
Not a bad 3 years! It will be exciting to see how God uses you and all of the folks Revolution has ministered to. What a great season of life!
And now you have the privilege of ministering to your family with more intensity. God bless!
As you know, there is a season for everything. A time to plant, and a time to uproot (Eccl 3:2). I don’t think there’s any doubt that this season was a successful one. My family will be praying for your family, and for God’s plan for your next season.
Chris, I’m a follower of your wife’s blog and couldn’t comment there so stopped here! Thank you for a being people who listen for God’s voice and seek to do HIS will. Thank you for CHOOSING to listen and search out God’s word and as hard of a decision as I can imagine it was, it’s like Moses when he said to God that unless HE go with Him, he doesn’t want to go at all…He wouldn’t settle for just His protection he desired God’s presence more. It’s easy to try to keep something going and fan a fire that God may have created at “such a time” for a reason but is no longer igniting again for a reason – it’s not saying someone “failed” or “God isn’t with them” it’s saying He’s now directing them in another direction and I’m glad you are listening and not trying to keep it “burning” or running in your own strengths which would in turn damage your family, friends and brothers and sisters in the church. I pray God continues to bless you in your quiet time spent seeking Him, clinging to Him and strengthening your family.
God Bless!
Love you guys! Call if you need anything.
Chris, I know this did not come easy. You’ve been on a difficult journey. I haven’t checked in much – but occasionally I have. I will pray for you & your family in the coming days. Great respect for you here.
–Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford