We have served at the University of Oregon for 9 incredible years. Five of those years I have been in the MTL (Missional Team Leader) role, which is basically the Director. About a year ago I began wrestling over whether my role as MTL at the University of Oregon was the best fit for me. I sought the counsel of my regional directors, who helped me ponder this question: "Where is the best place to steward the gifts God has given me?" Over the last several months, God has made it clear to me that my current role doesn't fully allow me to operate out of my giftings. As of June 13,2014, I have stepped out of my MTL position at the UO.
Now, having said this, I want to add that Patrice and I have discerned that God's calling is strong and clear for us to continue on staff with Cru and in ministry to college students. After taking a look at my gifts in shepherding, prayer, and worship, we, with the Lord's help, have determined that the best fit for us is working with the Cru team at the University of Washington. After being pursued by and having a chance to work with some of the leaders, staff, and students from UW last summer at the Lake Tahoe Summer Project, we really saw how our giftings could be maximized with their team. I will be taking a position alongside the MTL’s at UW to focus more on staff and student leader care while also helping give direction to the movement.
We realize that God used our time at UO to shape, form and clarify who we are and we now know that He made us to take on this new and exciting position for the Kingdom. Seattle is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country that influences our culture, arts, and economy. The University of Washington ranks among the top 25 colleges in the world while the greater Seattle area has over 100,000 college students. We are excited and overwhelmed by all that taking on this position has to offer. We are excited, sad to leave, scared of the unknowns, full of faith to see how God will provide, and ready to move forward. When the Lord released us from our current location and position, it was with the peace that I had been faithful and that we were free to move. No regrets or shame. It is hard to leave, but when the peace of God beckons, we want to respond.
Please pray that we would transition well out of our current role and responsibilities and for all the necessary pieces to fall into place for our personal needs, ministry, and our family.
Now, having said this, I want to add that Patrice and I have discerned that God's calling is strong and clear for us to continue on staff with Cru and in ministry to college students. After taking a look at my gifts in shepherding, prayer, and worship, we, with the Lord's help, have determined that the best fit for us is working with the Cru team at the University of Washington. After being pursued by and having a chance to work with some of the leaders, staff, and students from UW last summer at the Lake Tahoe Summer Project, we really saw how our giftings could be maximized with their team. I will be taking a position alongside the MTL’s at UW to focus more on staff and student leader care while also helping give direction to the movement.
We realize that God used our time at UO to shape, form and clarify who we are and we now know that He made us to take on this new and exciting position for the Kingdom. Seattle is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country that influences our culture, arts, and economy. The University of Washington ranks among the top 25 colleges in the world while the greater Seattle area has over 100,000 college students. We are excited and overwhelmed by all that taking on this position has to offer. We are excited, sad to leave, scared of the unknowns, full of faith to see how God will provide, and ready to move forward. When the Lord released us from our current location and position, it was with the peace that I had been faithful and that we were free to move. No regrets or shame. It is hard to leave, but when the peace of God beckons, we want to respond.
Please pray that we would transition well out of our current role and responsibilities and for all the necessary pieces to fall into place for our personal needs, ministry, and our family.
