I have a hunch that all of our lives are marked by moments of decision.
The decisions we make form the chapters and fill the pages the story that God is ultimately writing in each of our lives. The decisions we make shape us, our future, and make us the people that we become.
Some decisions are easy and others are difficult. Some are made with absolute certainty of what will happen next. Others are made in faith, trusting that the leading and impulse of the heart will guide us into an unknown, but exciting future.
A few years ago I made one of those crucial, uncertain decisions.
I left a church that I had called home for most of my life as well as family and friends, and embarked on a new journey, moving to Chicago. I knew it was what I was supposed to do and while it was difficult, the risk was worth it. I cannot even begin to articulate in words what an incredible blessing these past four years have been.
I came on staff at Park in a critical moment in the life of the church. About to open a new building in the heart of downtown Chicago and firmly establish a presence in the city, I was able to be a part of the rebirth of Park. I helped take what we were doing at Park to a new level from rebranding, to killing our weekly bulletin, rethinking our website, using text messaging in services, and much more. But more than that, it’s been so humbling to see how God has grown Park in size and influence, and how we are seeing lives impacted by the Gospel every day. That’s what it’s all about.
Along the way, I’ve shared what I’ve learned with all of you through my blog and twitter stream. It’s been crazy to see who I’ve been able to connect with, the opportunities and experiences I’ve been able to be a part of… it’s just overwhelming as I look back over the past few years. I see God’s faithfulness everywhere.
And it all happened because I took a risk and made a hard decision.
I read Seth Godin’s book Linchpin earlier this year and it challenged me and messed me up in a good way. It really made me think about what I do, what I’m passionate about, and ultimately the work I feel I’m called to do.
For nearly ten years I’ve served in two different churches as a communications director. I started at age 18, inexperienced and uneducated, but full of passion to make an impact. I made many mistakes, learned a lot, took copious notes at conferences, and did all I could do share what I learned and connect with others. And now, nearing age 28 in less than a few days, I’ll be embarking on a new adventure and taking an enormous step of faith.
Last week I met with some of the leadership team at Park and let them know about a tough decision I had been wrestling with in regards to my future… I announced my resignation from my role at Park.
It was a decision that was made with a lot of prayer, soul-searching, and time in reflection [which I’ve had plenty of in the last month thanks to the mono!], and I feel absolute peace about this decision. There was nothing amiss or weird, I just felt and sensed it was time for me to move forward and will be concluding this chapter of my journey sometime in January.
As far as what’s next… I have no idea! I don’t have a job or any prospects on the horizon but trust God’s whisper and know He will provide. It’s a huge step of faith and a decision that is either absolutely crazy or absolutely the right one, and regardless, I have peace about whatever lies ahead. I’m confident, excited, hopeful, and trust that as one amazing chapter closes that this decision will mark a new beginning filled with new opportunities [and a paycheck 
… if you have any leads, email me!].
I plan to stay in Chicago and want to continue to be a voice in the conversation about church communications. I don’t see myself working for another church but hope to work for the Church through coaching, consulting, speaking, as well as getting OUTSPOKEN released sometime in the spring, and helping to make Cultivate11 happen! I’m sure I’ll be able to keep myself busy.
I have nothing but respect and admiration for the team at Park and absolute thankfulness to have been a part of the unfolding story of what God is doing through Park in Chicago. I’ve served alongside some of the best men and women I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, and will miss them immensely. These next few weeks will definitely be bittersweet but I know that it was the right time for me and the right time for Park and trust that God will provide for both of us!
To all of you, readers and friends, I want you to know I appreciate all of you who have been a part of the journey so far and hope to have you along for this uncertain but exciting next chapter! Greater things are yet to come…
“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, Faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.” – Patrick Overton
