In February, Leslee and I felt God guiding us to transition from the church where we were currently serving in Portland. Those were some real “gut check” days: we had no idea where we would be going or what we would be doing, but we pushed forward with much faith and believe in what God had ahead for us. In addition to seeking counsel & coaching from several trusted leaders and friends, we found ourselves on our knees. A lot. We had big decisions in front of us with no desire to navigate them on our own.
It was during this time that God brought me to an exchange recorded in Exodus 33 that he once had with Moses. I love the boldness and hunger of Moses; I love the responsiveness of God:
- Moses to God: “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.”
- God’s reply: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
- Moses’ response: “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”
Leslee and I began immediately praying for such an experience. Through this transition we’ve sought His presence above everything else. We’ve prayed that His presence would guide us to the place of His choosing, the place where we could most make Him known. We prayed that He wouldn’t send us anywhere without His presence being the central part of the equation. We prayed that through this, we would know Him and experience His favor.
Wow, has God answered that prayer.
Later this month we’ll be heading south to join the staff of Northland Church in Orlando, FL. I believe Northland is one of the greatest churches in America, led by Dr. Joel Hunter, one of the greatest leaders on the globe (who happens to be brother-in-law to one of the men I admire most). I have to admit there have been quite a few “pinch me” moments over the last few weeks! Northland is a church we’ve watched for years with great respect, guided by leadership we greatly admire. I’m honored to be running point for Northland’s Mount Dora campus, as well as joining the conversation as to how best develop regional site expansion.
Leslee and I are thrilled for the privilege of serving Jesus by locking arms with the amazing Kingdom builders that make up Northland. And as we prepare to join the community there, our prayer remains: that we learn His ways, experiencing His presence and His favor.
