Dear Grace Family,
I know that many of you have observed a change in my heart since my dad died
in March of last year. I have grieved his death, but also have been deeply moved to
consider a change in ministry. I have had open and loving conversations with our
elders and key staff about this ever since. Although I would have liked to talk to
more of you through this process, I hope you can understand the confidentiality it
has required until now.
Following much soul searching and prayer and discussion, I sense a clear
leading from God to transition to another ministry which He has not yet revealed to
me, outside of Grace Bible Church. I am resigning from my role as teaching pastor
with the effective date to be determined some time in 2015. The elders have not
solicited this in any way but have reluctantly accepted my resignation.
God is at work at GBC! Our church has never been healthier, growing in
numbers, finances, staff and volunteers. It is thriving and will continue to thrive
leading to more grace-changed lives. GBC has been a wonderful place for me to
serve for 16 years. I couldn’t ask for a more encouraging, faith-filled church. I’ve
seen God do wonderful things and experienced His Spirit in many powerful ways.
This has made it very difficult to even think about leaving.
But I know that my calling is more than just to be in a great church, it’s to help
make churches great. It’s about the joy of progressing, not just enjoying progress
that has already been made. I’m not sure where God is leading me, but I know that
I probably won’t go to a church as vibrant as Grace. Regardless I look forward to
helping a church grow and develop as Grace has.
I know that God has used me here, but now I strongly sense that I will best be
used in another setting. I believe that Grace is ready to grow forward in another
chapter of her life without me. I have a strong desire to take all that I’ve learned
and preached to another setting where there can be a greater impact for God’s
Kingdom.
Though this may seem sudden, our key leaders have been processing this
for almost a year now. It’s not an impulse or a pronouncement on the way out.
God has given us the unity to enter a time of transition together until it becomes
clear where God is calling me to go. Until I leave, I will continue to do all I can
to support GBC. I will preach and provide pastoral care in accordance with a
transition plan developed with the elders.
I don’t know the exact timing, but I should be here for a while yet and would
be glad to talk with any of you. I would greatly appreciate your prayers for God’s
continued leading in the days ahead. In times like these when so much is changing
it’s encouraging to know that God never changes, and we can all trust Him.
Seeking Him together,
Dean
Jesus said: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the
God prunes for gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no
greater growth. fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes
so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2
• Dean always taught us pruning hurts. Losing a branch is always painful.
• God has chosen to prune us as a church, and in faith we know that his goal is so that we can
be even more fruitful. God has big fruit in store for Grace and for Dean’s future ministry.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR GRACE?
• Our contract was approved for the Norfolk Campus! We will continue to move forward with
opening this campus as soon as possible.
• Our church has never been stronger in numbers, finances, staff and volunteers.
• We will continue to see grace-changed lives both in Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
• God will continue to lead us as he always has.
• We’re so proud of Dean to follow God’s calling even when it’s hard.
LOOKING TO GOD AS OUR ROCK
• In the midst of big change, it’s crucial to know that God doesn’t change.
• Our Lord Jesus is the head of Grace, and will continue to lead us.
HOW CAN YOU RESPOND?
• Show Dean and Lynn how much you love them. If they’ve touched your life, write them a
letter and drop it in the offering sometime in the next few weeks.
• Have questions we haven’t addressed? We as elders are here and would love to talk through
your questions. Come to Grace this Tuesday or Thursday (1/27 or 1/29) from 6:30-7:30pm.
• During this transition time, we each have the opportunity to promote unity or division. Let’s
follow Dean’s lead by promoting unity at Grace (Ephesians 4:1-5).
YOU MAY BE WONDERING
• Why is Dean leaving? He feels a strong, persistent call by God to move to a different ministry.
• When is he leaving? Sometime in 2015 as God leads. Until then, Dean will remain fully
engaged at GBC.
• Does he have a job somewhere else? No, but he will begin the search for his new ministry
immediately. Grace will help him in this search and time of transition.
• What changed in Dean? As Dean grieved the passing of his father, he felt a renewed spirit
and a calling to move on to a new place. We rejoice in his renewed calling and are working
to support Dean and Lynn in this next step.
• How come we aren’t trying to keep him? We did and have wrestled with this for almost a
full year with Dean, and God’s leading still remains clear to him. His decision was not made
quickly and has included much time, prayer and counsel.
• What happens to Matt and Eric? Matt remains our Executive Pastor and Eric remains our
Teaching Pastor. After Dean’s departure, the elders will evaluate GBC’s leadership structure
and make the appropriate staff adjustments and hires.
• What happens to the building expansion (phase 2)? The elders intend to give the church
time to process this change and then resume the plans for Phase 2.
• Is Dean leaving because of some kind of moral failure on his part? No – there is nothing
like this. He is clearly sensing God’s call to move to a new place of ministry, and we are
excited for how the Lord will use Dean in the future.