As I have run into people at Grace Youth Sports, or other events and places in our communities, a number of you have told me; “Congratulations on your retirement.”  My reply is usually; “Thank you, but I’m not retiring.”  What follows is an explanation about what I’m doing; so I thought I’d try to clear some of that up in this blog.

On other occasions people have ask several of our staff members: “What are Pastor BJ and Janet going to do after he retires?”  Again, I’m not retiring.

So just what am I doing?   I hope you’ll go back and listen to the Mission and Vision message I shared with our church family on September 6th.  You can find it at http://www.gf.church/watch and look for the message called “WHY GO?”   This was something God put on my heart and we started the process nearly 5 years ago; if you want to know more listen to the Sept. 6 message.    As I said in this message, I’m not retiring, I’m just stepping down from the position as Lead Pastor and will remain on staff for a while to assist Pastor Chris in any way he needs.

In addition, I stated that Janet and I have served here for 17 years, and hope to continue serving actively at Grace for another 17 years (if God allows) even when I’m not on staff.  We will continue to INVITE, SERVE and GIVE faithfully with Chris as our pastor.

On a little deeper level, I don’t believe a person ever retires from ministry; whether called into ministry as a vocation or serves in ministry at their local church.

Hope this helps answer some questions.  Janet and I are excited about the days ahead and can’t wait to see what God has in store for Grace Fellowship!