Still Writing.

Yesterday I resigned my position as the Sr. Pastor at Singing Hills.  There are a lot of questions as to why and what happened.  I am willing to answer those questions honestly when you ask them privately, but for now, we will leave it at that.

I sincerely love the church and I love the ministry.  I believe it to be my calling from God and, for 24 years I have faithfully followed that calling.  It is strange how circumstances can shatter the foundations of your identity.  I am not a pastor any longer.  Right now, I don’t have any intention of changing that any time soon.  I am not ready to put my family back through this hell.  I want my kids to love God and the church as much as I do.

Wendy has requested that I take a couple hours each week to think and write just to keep me in touch with God and with thinking theologically.  I am planning to do as she asked.  I will write to this blog.  I would be very appreciative if you would continue to read and respond.  If my writing is good for you, I am blessed.  Even if it is not, it is good for me.

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9 Responses to Still Writing.

  1. Ric Carrara says:

    Derrick, What a loss to the Singing Hills. You were always an inspiration to me. Learned more from you than 12 years of Catholic schooling. I have heard the background of this from Mike and I am sorry for you and the family. I understand why you are doing what you are doing but understan that this has to hurt also. My prayers are with you and family. Keep writing though. There are those of us who look forward to this weekly venture.

    Ric Carrara

  2. Tom Dodson says:

    My Brother,
    Although still reeling from the events of yesterday, I wanted you to know that I love you and your family, and hope to hear that you are still preaching somewhere. Keep your gun loaded and your powder dry.
    Tom

  3. Derek C says:

    By way of encouragement, you’re still a pastor, just not in a paid role (your blog, the things you address and how you do it are proof of that). And, you are still a minister of the Gospel — again, whether in a paid role or a tent-making capacity. I’m confident God has something in mind for you in some teaching/preaching role (a la Colossians 1:25).

  4. Steve Leblanc says:

    Glad you are still writing I’ll try to keep up with them.

  5. Paul Lankow says:

    Hey bro,

    Thanks to you, I understand Mark 8 discipleship and how it means that not one rule will get you into heaven. How freeing that is for me. I don’t need to sweat the small stuff and keep my eyes on the prize. It changed my life.

    Paul

    PS: I will certainly be in the store to visit. 🙂

  6. Carol Samples says:

    Derrick, I hurt for you that you had to make this very hard decision. I just want to say, I love you, and you will always be in my prayers. God is continuing to do great things in you and around you. Sincerely, Carol

  7. Becky Brintnall says:

    “It is strange how circumstances can shatter your identity”

    You hit that nail on the head! I believe you and your lovely bride helped me when I went through a similar situation. Now I’m dead in the middle of another “circumstance” that has shaken the foundations of who I am. Only this one if of my choosing. It is however, not what I would have chosen if the circumstances had been different.

    We both know where and with Whom our identity lies but sometimes it’s hard to hear His voice over the ones that would tear us down and keep us from filling our place in the Kingdom. Let’s lift each other up in prayer and we’ll make it.

    ~Becky

  8. Carolyn Roller says:

    So sorry to hear your news. Praying that things will work out for you and your family. Our family went though multiple job changes before we finally stabilized in Topeka. It was tough but God saw us through the rough spots. He will see you through this heartache also.

  9. Sara Covey says:

    My missionary cousin always led me to think about ‘pastoring’ as something that wasn’t connected to a church building. That’s fine for one who gets paid to be on mission as she was. I have always admired Corrie ten Boom for her ‘tramp for the Lord’ lifestyle. I have never been brave enough to let go of the reigns (atleast the reigns I though I had). The changes my husband & I have gone through these last few months have shown me that indeed God will supply all our needs. I have all the faith in the world that he will do the same for you.
    As far as ‘identity’ I can only pray that you and your family are covered with the blood of Jesus, surrounded by His Angels of mercy & protection & lifted into His ever loving Arms for comfort. There is no place better to be!

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