Last week, I had the opportunity to spend several days with multiple ministry friends in Colorado and the highlight was hiking Pikes Peak - what a beautiful journey! As a result, I did not post my weekly blog update. Two weeks ago, I shared some personal news - that Marla and I were candidates at Second Church of Christ in Danville to accept their Lead Minister position. On June 9, I preached during their three main auditorium services and yesterday we were affirmed by congregational vote. As a result, allow me to share this letter with you:
Dear Clinton FCC family, It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as Lead Minister of First Christian Church effective July 31, 2019. Marla and I have absolutely loved our almost 13 years of ministry at Clinton FCC and yet believe without a doubt that God is calling us to another ministry in Vermillion County, Illinois. On August 14, Marla and I will begin ministry at the Second Church of Christ in Danville, IL – a sister church that is changing the world for Christ in east-central Illinois. Please pray for the Taylor family as we begin the transition process. Please also pray for the leadership of Clinton FCC as they discern what the next several months will look like for our church. During the summer of 2006, you took a chance on a 37 year old that had never served as a full time preaching minister, and I am forever grateful. There are far too many blessings to share in this letter, but I am thankful for the women and men I have been blessed to serve alongside in leadership ministries, and the many relationships within the church and the community that I will never forget and forever cherish. Anytime there is change, the temptation is to approach it with a “cup-half-empty” perspective – please do not do this! I believe without a doubt that God has this and Clinton FCC’s best days are yet to come! In the next couple of weeks, you will have the opportunity to learn about multiple pieces of the transition plan and what exactly it will mean for Clinton FCC throughout the remainder of 2019 and into 2020. I have already seen God’s mighty hand at work! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns about this letter and/or decision. You are also invited to contact Mark Behrends, the chairman of the eldership at FCC, if you would like more information. May God bless you and may God’s hand be on Clinton First Christian Church! Blessings, Greg Taylor greg@clintonfcc.com Change is never easy but both Marla and I have seen God move throughout this entire process and we believe He always provides! We look forward to the next month and a half as we conclude ministry at Clinton FCC - we are so thankful for so many that have blessed us during this journey! We covet your prayers - both for our family, as we prepare for this transition, and also for your leadership, as they navigate change. And do your very best to be in church this Sunday, as we will be sharing some exciting news related to God's blessing on Clinton FCC and the rest of 2019! God is good - all the time! Two quick notes: ** This Sunday is the bi-annual Congregational meeting following both services to affirm those nominated to serve as Elder at Clinton FCC. This year, two men are on the ballot - John Rodgers and Ryan Sosaman - and I 100% endorse both men to serve as Elder at FCC! These Godly men also have a humility that guides them and an unconditional love for your church. I'm so very thankful for John and Ryan! ** Please be in prayer for the family of Bernice Zastrow - she passed away on Friday the age of 93 in the Chicago area. Bernice and her husband Winston - who passed away in 2016 - served our church in the 1960's and 1970's in the Senior Ministry role. My heart goes out to Craig, Teri, Brent and Todd, as well as the spouses and grandchildren of the Zastrow family. Visitation will be Friday afternoon from 3-6pm and the funeral will be at 10:30am Saturday at the Christian Church of Clarendon Hills in the western suburbs. Have a great week - see you Sunday as I preach a message entitled "Change is Good." blessings GT Comments are closed.
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Elder's CornerWeekly update on what's happening at FCC! Glad you're here! |