Yesterday, (Sunday, September 27, 2009) I accepted an offer to become the new pulpit minister at the Karns Church of Christ in Knoxville, TN. I cannot begin to express how excited and heartbroken I am at the same time. I’ve never felt such conflicting emotions. So let me begin with the South Green Street Church of Christ.
I was just 27 years-old when the elders at the South Green Street Church of Christ had enough faith in me to believe that I could help the congregation here in Glasgow. Frankly, if I was an elder, I don’t think I would have hired myself. But I sure am thankful that they did. Little did either of us know that we were beginning a relationship that would last for more than 20 years.
I love Glasgow, and especially the church here. This is where all but one of our children were born. This is where our friends are. This is where our memories are. I can tell you this much, I have a greater understanding of Paul’s relationship with the Ephesian elders when they had their tearful “goodbye” (Acts 20:36-38). While I trust that this transition won’t be as permanent as Paul’s, I feel it’s just as painful.
Next, there’s Karns. I’ve known of the Karns congregation for many years. In fact, some of my best friends have worshiped there and graduated from the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions. I look forward to being a part of the good work that is done by this congregation. From a personal standpoint, I relish the opportunity to have daily contact with men like Jody Apple, Gary Hampton, Edwin Jones, and James Meadows. I would never think of leaving Glasgow, uprooting my family, and leaving behind people I have grown to love for anything less than being able to make a greater contribution to the Kingdom and that’s what I think we can do at Karns.
I would appreciate your prayers for my family and me, the church at South Green Street, and the new work that we will embark upon at Karns.
Congratulations, Steve!
You have done a MASTERFUL ministry at South Green, and you will be an equal blessing at Karns!
My BEST to you and your family!
* Gal. 1:3 *
We will talk of this more I am sure, but want anyone who reads these comments to know what a blessing you have been to the church at Glasgow and Southern Kentucky, and what a good friend you have been and I am sure will contniue to be though separated by distance. You will certainly be a blessing to the church at Karns, and the East Tennessee School of Preaching and I will miss the opportunity to play golf from time to time. God bless, my friend.
Hey Steve! What an accoomplishment – 20 years at Glasgow. I’m sure the members hate to see you and Kim leave. I know you will do great things for the Lord in Tennessee as you have in Kentucky. My prayers are with you all for a smooth transition in your new work.
Congrats on the new opportunity! I pray the Lord blesses you and your family in your new location.
Congratulations Steve! I know you are very excited and nervous to be starting a new chapter in your life, but God will guide you every step of the way. You’re an amazing person who’s dedicated to God’s work and you will be truly missed in this area. Wishing and praying for the very best as you make your move in 2010.
Steve, I know God will bless your work with the Karns congregation as he has done with the South Green Street. You have blessed the men of Alaska who attended the Retreat in Anchorage this past weekend. I know many of us drove over 300 miles one way to attend. It would be worth it every day!
Thanks to everyone who has commented on this post. I really appreciate your encouraging words. We love Glasgow and the Lord has blessed us and the church here more than we deserve. I’m also excited about beginning our new work with Karns and seeing what good can be accomplished there as we work together.
Steve,
Our best wishes to you and your family as you transition into a new work in His kingdom. I know the South Green St family will miss you and that the Karn’s family is excited about welcoming you. Keep up the good work brother.
Hi brother Steve:
I feel like I know you but I don’t. We have a mutual friend, Charles Isenberg (shh. don’t tell too many people). I wish you well in your new work. Karns is a great congregation, but I don’t have to tell you that. I’ll pray for you and your family as you move. Believe me, it won’t be easy. I preached for my home congregation for 191/2 years before moving last February. The folks here are wonderful and we love them dearly. We also miss home.
Love you in the Lord, brother.
Robert