Ch-Ch-Ch-Changeeeessss (Turn, And Face the Strain...)

Here is a copy of the letter I loosely read to the congregation yesterday morning. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but it went well considering. Now everyone knows, and I am happy about that. I am excited about the future more than anything. Keep us in your prayers, lots going on with the 'Colorado Wylies' these days.

To the Body of Christ at University Church;

This morning I have an announcement for the congregation, concerning my future, which is never an easy one to give…

A few weeks ago I tendered my resignation as Young Adult Minister to the Elders of this Body. They have accepted my resignation and have agreed to the date of Sunday, November 22 as my last day on staff at University, roughly 3 months from today.

This decision to step down has not been an easy one; it has required much prayer and discussion with Susan. Through the Spirit’s guidance we are convinced that the time has come for me to leave vocational ministry, and unfortunately this means leaving the current team of ministers, Elders, and staff members here at University, all of whom are friends that I love and respect.

As to why I have come to this decision, I would like to share with you the following:

First, I can say that this decision has not come based upon my displeasure with the current staff, Elders, YAM, or this church. I love this family and it has been an honor to serve at this church. I am not resigning because I am upset or unhappy.
Second, I am not leaving University to be a preacher or minister at another congregation. After nearly 6 years at University and nearly 10 years spent in vocational ministry, I believe the Spirit has shown me that it is now time to step down. As a Christian, I will always minister to others—just not as a paid member of a ministry staff.
I am resigning because, frankly, I have become very spiritually tired—very spiritually burnt out. I have been praying since early March that God would show me what I needed to do; over the last few months it has been revealed to me that my ‘trying so hard to be a good minister’ was getting in the way of my ‘seeking first the kingdom of God.’
Thus, after much prayer and thought, I have decided to act discerningly and out of faith, to be true to who God made me, and resign my post while I still felt positive about my work and my church family.

I want to thank the University Body very much for your patience, acceptance, encouragement and love over the past 5-1/2 years. Since arriving here in January 2004 I have indeed been transformed by the Spirit and for this I am joyful. I do not regret for one second my time spent here. I am especially indebted to my friend and mentor Jerry Selby, whose guidance, patience and encouragement have been invaluable. And of course I thank my wife Susan for her undying patience, love and support since the very beginning.

I want to specifically thank those Young Adults who, over the years, have helped me, worked with me, listened to me, prayed for me, encouraged me; to those Young Adults that accepted me as your minister despite my shortcomings—to those Young Adults that treated me as an actual friend, to those that accepted and loved me for who I was and what I was trying to do—to those Young Adults, you know who you are—and I thank you and love you very much, and I always will. You are indeed family to me.

I want everyone here to know—especially the young adults—that I have always tried my absolute hardest to serve you and serve God to the best of my ability. Believe me, I am certainly more aware than anyone my shortcomings as a minister: And yet if anything I stand here today as a testament to the fact that God can use us for his good will and purpose despite any of our faults or shortcomings. I have given my best effort, and I believe that God has somehow used me towards his ultimate purpose. For that, I have no regret, only joy.

And just so you’ll know, it is Susan and I’s plan to raise our family here in the Denver area, and Lord willing are going to be moving into a new house in the coming month. I am not necessarily sure as to what the future holds, but I can assure you that I am already well on my way to preparing for a new career, and would ask for your prayers as I transition into a new field over the coming year.

Again, I thank you. Susan and I love you, and we always will. It has been an honor to serve.
Mark Wylie