Extraordinary Direction at a Crossroads by Bob Jones

We were at a crossroads. Our lead pastor informed me, and the rest of our staff that he would be announcing his resignation on the coming Sunday.  He had battled with diminishing health for three years. As his Associate pastor and friend, I prayed he would return to his strong leadership capacity. Suddenly, the horizon looked cloudy.

Early the next morning I settled into my habitual meeting place with God – kneeling, face down in the cushion of a chair in the corner of our living room.  “What should I be doing, Lord?” Immediately, which is unusual timing in my encounters with God, I heard the words, “You will be the next lead pastor.” Though not audible, they were as clear as they were extraordinary.  And surprising.

Our church was considered a “flagship” among the 1,000 plus congregations in our fellowship.   Stellar leadership and high expectations were hallmarks, with four previous lead pastors advancing on to lead the entire Fellowship. When I was invited to join the staff, my role was as an assistant pastor responsible for Children and Missions.  Three years later, I filled those roles as well as being the Associate Pastor.  When the Pastoral Search Team created a list of candidates for the Lead role, my name was not among them. Having no lead pastor experience was not in my favour.

If not for the words God spoke to me, I would have been crushed. But I felt only assurance.  Where there is no faith in the future there is no power in the present.  The clarity of the direction, “You will be the next lead pastor,” gave me peace as the Search Team processed 32 candidates. During the search process, I happily gave interim leadership to the congregation and Board.  When all 32 candidates were either not amenable to the role or not suitable to the Search Team, I wasn’t surprised. 

A few weeks later, the congregation voted me in as their Lead pastor.  That was bold and trusting of them, as I became one of the youngest leaders in the 100-year history of the church.  Reflecting on the experience inspires me with gratitude for the opportunity, and humility for God’s extraordinary direction.

Over the course of the next quarter century of leadership, remembering the corner chair and the still small voice was a source strength and reassurance during challenging days.  I was the right person, in the right place, at the right time.

Extraordinary direction is available for the writing life. God cares personally about you, and invites you to glorify Him through no better way than sharing stories of His guidance. 

“Commit everything you do to the Lord, trust Him and he will help you.” (Psalm 37:5)