New wine into old wineskins…
Two years ago last summer, I received a call from a friend of mine asking me to send him my resume. I didn’t think much about it but a few weeks later I received a call from the pastor search committee at a church in Charlotte, NC. It was a very impressive business executive and she asked me to send her a DVD of me speaking. I sent the DVD never expecting to hear back from them. Why? Because I could tell the church was very traditional and nothing about me really is. My DVD was a message of me speaking using lots of multi-media and I was wearing Khaki’s and a polo shirt. It was me. Within three days this search committee called and wanted to talk with me further. Honestly, I really couldn’t understand why. In fact, I asked them what they saw in me. Two of the members said they realized that they needed to make some changes in their church in order to reach the younger generation.
They set up a meeting between us for early September and then the unexpected happened-Hurricane Katrina! I was weary and broke from living through three hurricanes in 13 months, as well walking through a difficult situation at the church I was serving. Several people advised me to go and just talk to the committee at DMBC, and so I did. I had a list of 19 changes that I believed were necessary in order for me to consider relocating to Charlotte. To my surprise the committee liked all of my ideas and believed that this is what their church needed. Their next step was inviting my wife Cassandra to come and visit. I’ll never forget Cassandra crying while we ate dinner at Bravo, a restaurant at a new mall near Huntersville. This was because she just didn’t see me” fitting” the mold of the church. But, the next night she fell in love with the committee members and realized that they needed us and how God could use us there. But I’ll never forget what Cassandra said to them.
“You say you want change, but do you really want it?” “Because Kevin will bring change and what you saw on the DVD is him.”
Then she added, “I guess that’s really not a fair question to ask you because only I really know what that looks like.”
My wife is a wise, perceptive woman. She knew this would be a risk and a true step of faith for us to walk through that door!
We agreed to accept God’s call and my 1st three messages were about the necessity to change-the church and ourselves. However, my honeymoon didn’t last very long. Change is very hard unless you are the one implementing the change. Let me say that 99.9% of the people at DMBC have been nothing but loving and gracious. But there were a lot of issues that were out of my control. Yet, I’m the leader so the buck stops with me. John Maxwell says:
“If your are leading and no one is following, you are just taking a walk.”
I won’t go into all of the details, but 4 months ago I realized something else needed to change. My mom was telling me about a message she recently heard from Pastor Rick Warren (Yeah, my parents are that cool) in which he says when churches split it is usually only 7 people who are contributing to it. It became more apparent that this transition I was making was hurtful to many people. Some good people left the church for various reasons-some because of my leadership and some because the area around the church is changing. I didn’t want anything eventually coming to a vote because even if I “won”, who really wins? Cassandra and I spent much time in prayer and realized that it was time for us to move on. We especially knew it after reading this passage from Matthew 9:16-17
“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
You see, I’m the new wine and my church, DMBC is the old wineskin. I brought new ideas and a new style of ministry,(new wine) but it was just too difficult for many people. For this, I’m truly sorry. We all tried to make it work but it just wasn’t a fit. Like David told King Saul, his clothes didn’t fit–neither did the one’s expected of me. So, I met with some of the leadership last week and we mutually agreed that it was in the best interest of the church and my family that I go ahead and leave.
So last night, I resigned as Pastor of DMBC. I have no where to go and we have no idea what the future holds. Is it hard? Yes, especially on my family. The last 5-6 years have been very tough. My kids are hurting from all the losses and the moves. I will do my best to make sure that this doesn’t happen again, even if it means I work in the secular world until maybe they leave home. If you want a “real” family who loves God and people, give me a call. I do need a job. 
We have so many friends at DMBC who have supported me and my family and we are grateful. I’m sorry it had to end this way. I have many friends literally all over the world who have been praying for me. So many have e-mailed and called me this week-too many to thank by name-you know who you are.
THANKS! I realize I am a blessed man.
Kevin,
You remain one of the most Christ following, honorable men I know. God bless and keep you during this time of transition. With God there are no endings but only new beginnings. How wonderful you have such a Godly and wise wife, you are a very blessed man indeed!
I realize I don’t know you personally, but our friendship on the level of blogging has shown me, that wherever and whatever you do, Christ will be present, and honored.
Be present, O merciful God, and protect Kevin and his family through this change in their life, so that they who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in Your eternal changelessness. And, everliving God, Whose will it is that all should come to You through Your Son Jesus Christ: Continue to Inspire Kevin’s witness to Him, and all who he comes in contact with. May they know the power of His forgiveness and the hope of His resurrection; I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Kevin,
I thought something might be up with you personally when I read your recent “Best Word in the Ministry” post but I had no idea what it could be. Now I know.
Some people love and thrive on change; I know because I am myself one of those people. But I also know that change is hard for most people. Most people either fear it or are at least uncomfortable with it.
I think you are one of those who like me, loves and thrives on change and, as such, I think something like this will turn out to be a great opportunity, whether it feels like it right now or not. When things get really shaken up, that’s when we have the greatest flexibility to resolve nagging issues that have built up over time and were hard to address in a status quo environment. Most importantly of all, a real shake up is a chance to change yourself - the status quo no longer has strings pulling you to be who you no longer are. You can begin to do the things you know you should have been doing that you just couldn’t when you were bogged down.
Change usually doesn’t come about suddenly. Most likely, you have been changing gradually. Growth is change. Most likely, the sudden shake up is only the tipping point - the point at which the tension from change becomes to great for the status quo to contain. Something has to give.
I wish the best for you as you begin on this new leg of your journey. Changes are exciting but they can also be terrifying. I’m betting you have gone through changes like this before. The more changes you go through, the less terrifying change becomes - but it never loses it’s excitement! I’m looking for great things from you!
Kevin,
You are in my Prayers .
I pray that Lord will guide you and strengthen you in Spirit .
Kevin,
Been there, done that, my brother.
I have only three words of advice for you.
Plant a church…
You and your family continue to be in my prayers.
May God light your path and direct your steps!
Kevin,
Please know that Marty and I are praying for you and Cassandra during this time. I remember how very difficult these times can be. I also remember how God showed us his loving care in amazing ways during those same times.
Kevin,
We are praying for this change in you and your family’s life. You have made a difference in the lives of many people thru your ministry in churches and here on this blog. You have a heart for the Lord and for His people. You will bring help, sanity and reality any and everywhere you go and serve.
Kevin,
My heart wept when I read this because I know the hurt that you have, because I know the struggle to make this hard decision, and because I know God is getting ready to move mightily in you and DMBC.
God of Provision, provide for the Busseys in this time of need. God of Mercy, fill this situation with all of You. God Almighty, we allow you to control this and all situations. Amen
You have my email if you need to vent, air, or cry. I went through the same struggle about three years ago when God moved us back to the ‘States after only five years with the IMB.
Blessings,
Benj.
Kevin, my heart is with both you and Cassandra during this time. I so enjoy hearing your heart and transparency in your posts. You are a man of God, of that there is no doubt and that he has endowed you with a wonderful partner is no mistake. I am sincerely praying for you Kevin.
Kevin-
I wish I had some incredible words of wisdom, but unfortunately I do not. I will pray for you guys, though.
Blessings
Micah
Psalm 67
Kevin, I prayed that you would find just the right positon - and quickly! I’m sorry to hear about all the conflict. You are a true man of God.
Hey Kevin,
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I completely understand where you’re coming from and all I have to say is WOW. God will take the unknowns and begin revealing what the next step is on your path. I’ve also learned that it can be a very slow process, but knowing you are His child and that he promises us hope and a future, you are in good hands. There is never a destination at which we will arrive…but I can’t wait to see all the ways God is working in your life and in your family. You guys are in my prayers!
Anne
Brother Kevin,
My heart breaks for you and your family. I know the pain of moving your family and then relationships break. I am praying for you.
Contact me ybcpastor[at]bellsouth[dot]net, would love to get together at Starbucks.
Blessings,
Tim
Kevin,
I can see that this is a painful experience, but it goes to demonstrate your character.
I commend your choice to best serve DMBC, even if it is to resign. I know you are seeking hard after the Lord and HIs will for your life and ministry. You have chosen the path He wishes you to walk. I know you know that He will never leave nor forsake you. This day may come as a shock for the rest of us, but it is one that God ordained for you long before the beginning of time. Just remember, the one who started in you a good work will be faithful to complete it. I’m praying for you and your family during this time of transition that you will be able to look back someday and see that this was huge launching point into a greater and deeper walk with the Lord.
Hi Kevin,
So sorry to hear the news of how things unfolded at DMBC. I had high hopes as you did that the church was ready for change. Maybe the search committee was ready but the church was not. Either way, it’s tough to handle.
I have really enjoyed your blog and consider you a friend even though we only served a short time together (and a difficult one at that). Keep the faith, though. Man may let us down, and we will certainly let ourselves down sometimes, but God will prove Himself faithful in your life and ministry.
Praying for Cassandra, Jacob and Hope. Praying for you.
Greg
As one who has ministered mostly with dysfunctional churches, Kevin, I comprehend at least some of your pain and discomfort. Perhaps I am not as “radical” as are you, but I too realize that church must make some changes or become irrelevant to culture; and yet, our churches seem to be dominated by late adapters and NEVER adapters (although in my experience, early adapters are often named to pulpit committees). That may simply be perception, since society as a whole has a majority of middle and late adapters (rather than innovators and early adapters), but it often feels that way. And I suspect they are the folks who give churches stability anyway, but Lord knows they make life and ministry uncomfortable during transitional eras. Still know that I will be praying for you and your family, and believe that God has a place for you. Perhaps it will be in some cutting-edge, innovative ministry rather than a traditional church. Blessings, brother!
John Fariss
Kevin, I’ve never even met you in person and I sit here in tears reading this. I’m in tears because I spent the last 6 months in that place of uncertainty. I feel for you and your family. May God shed His abundant blessings upon you.
No matter what happens from here do not doubt God’s ability to use you to do great things.
John-
What Kevin tried to do wasn’t really radical at all…if that tells you any more about the situation!
Kevin-
What Sonya said.
Kevin,
I feel like I’ve read my husband’s biography through your blog! Your comment on Craig Groeschel’s blog this morning caught my eye - You can’t put new wine in old wineskins. We walked your exact path two and half years ago. We walked away from a traditional ministry that thought they wanted new wine and then discovered they didn’t. That’s when God opened the door for us to start a new church. God told us it wouldn’t be what we expected or could ever imagine. And it hasn’t been! We were the first Network church established with Life Church and what a ride it’s been! So - leave the feelings of despair and hopelessness at the foot of the cross and allow God to show you His path for you and your family. Prayers for your wife - I really do know how she’s feeling. Prayers for your children - my children know how they’re feeling. Prayers for you - my husband knows how you feel.
Kevin,
I’m sorry that you are going through this mess. It certainly doesn’t seem to be what God had in mind as His plan for the Church. Yet, it’s the situation that many find themselves in today.
I still believe in the Church and its potential to see lives changed. Unfortunately, churches have life cycles, and it may be that “its easier to birth a baby than to raise the dead.”
Nevertheless, God isn’t through with you. As these comments clearly show, you are a leader. You’re an influencer. You have a significant ministry as you speak into leader’s lives. And you are very loved.
I look forward to seeing what God’s going to do next in and through you. I’ll be talking with Him about this.
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Kevin, I’m glad you’re resting secure in the knowledge that you are where God means for you to be, even if it’s unemployed. You and your family are in our prayers.
Kevin,
Thanks for the transparency in your post. I don’t know you personally but feel like I do through your blog. Your blog ministers to me on a weekly basis and provides me with some much needed e-community. Your post spoke to my heart in a significant way. My wife and I have realized that we are new wine trying to be poured into old wineskins (our current IMB team). We’ve been praying about an opportunity in another country on a “new wineskin” team. We’re walking through the same struggle. We deeply care about the people and the harvest field but we feel the tension and sense that the time is coming to make the change. Your words are encouraging and comforting. I’ll be lifting you up.
Blessings!
Dude. What a hard decision to make. Your courage and godly character are very evident in this situation. I add my prayers to those already spoken here. Hang in there, bro. God will show you the next step when it’s time to move.
As the daughter of a minister I just want to encourage you that we not only do recover from the moves and the losses (no matter how many) brought through full-time ministry, but are even strengthened by them and thrive in the midst of them. God had a plan to grow me, and each of my siblings, into the people He dreamed us to be. And that plan could not have been so perfectly accomplished without every move to new cities or countries God led our parents to make.
When I was in the IMB I heard it said often that God calls the whole family, not just the parents. I think that’s true of all of us in “ministry.” God called your children to this too. So whatever moves you make (and have made in the past) are also about them and their ministry, growth and maturity.
Stay focused on God and do whatever He says is next. He will take care of your kids, heal their hearts, and walk with them through their grief each and every time, no matter how many moves you make.
PS — I know you have a ton a people you can call when you need encouragement or counsel, but I wanted to let you know of another resource just in case. You can never have too many right?
Barney Self used to work at LifeWay as a pastoral counselor under LeaderCare. His specific ministry is to pastors and ministers who are hurting, struggling or in crisis. I have his info if you’re interested (same goes for anyone else reading). Just email me.
Kevin,
Get in touch with me….the Lord may have something else in mind for you.
Much, much love to you and your family.
Praying here in Chicago for you!
I’m praying for you! I know where you are at…God will guide you and make sense of it all. God has used in such an amazing way - He’s in control. If you end up in Ohio, give me a call!!!
My prayers are with you, my friend. I have walked where you are now walking and I can say without hesitation that God will carry you through.
Les
Great stuff!! Look, here’s the deal, they have “lost”. Go “sit down” for a minute. Do this for your family, God will honor that. And, then, however long then is, get back in the pulpit. You probably will have changed a little more, for the better, I presume. God bless.
Our love and prayers go with all of you. When God closes one door, He is waiting to open another one.
I’m sorry that there are too many “old wineskins” in our church - with God’s help we can change!
Thanks for your zeal, Christlikeness, and dedication!
Much love, Margaret
Kevin -
… well, you know … Arlington, Texas … I’m just saying …
I am praying for you and your family.
Dorcas
Our love and prayers go with all of you. When God closes one door, He is waiting to open another one.
I’m sorry that we have so many “old wineskins” - hopefully we can change!
Thanks for your love, dedication, and commitment to the Lord Jesus.
Much love, Margaret & Bill
Bro,
In many ways, I know some of what you are going through. As long as you are being obediant to God, then your doing what you need to do. I understand much of what your kids are going through; we lived in 6 countries in 8 years or so.
God will provide, since He is still in control!
Rick
Hey Kevin,
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and I’m sure I will continue too in the future.
You and your family will be in my prayers and I am PUMPED! to see what God has planed for you next..
Lifes a great adventure when Gods driving..
Steve
The LORD bless you, and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.
The LORD’s divine, unsurpassing peace and contentment be yours and your family’s as you embark on this new journey in the LORD Jesus Christ.
Although I’ve only found your blog a few weeks ago, it has been a daily-read for me. It has been a blessing.
I just wanted to add my prayers for you and your family. Especially for your kids. Having moved 11 times since my oldest (9yo) was born, I know how hard it is on the kids. But God always sustains us and gives us just what we need to get through each move. We pray He does the same for you and yours.
The LORD bless you, and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance on you ,
And give you peace.
The LORD grant you His unsurpassing peace and contentment as you and your family embark on this new journey in the LORD Jesus Christ.
Kevin,
I am honored and blessed to be your wife! Our children are blessed to have you as a Dad. Most of all, God can be honored for your character and your faithfulness to Him!
Thank you for modeling what an awesome man of God should be like!
Love,
Cass
Kevin,
As your little sister, not many people know you as well as I. You have always been a godly role model for me. You are a man of integrity, as a teen and as an adult. Both you & Tim were my standards as I looked for a husband 15yrs ago. We have been blessed to have your marriage as an example for us. I can’t wait to see the future and how God is going to use your experiences for His glory. Isn’t that what its all about? Always remember you serve for an audiance of ONE. I love you!
Your sis, Jenn
Praying for you man, as I have been. I’m keeping an eye out for you.
-G
Kevin,
I think I only posted on here once, but check the blog daily. I will be praying for you and your family during this time of transition. I have been through it myself, and came out much stronger thanks to God’s grace and mercy.
Kevin,
I am praying for you and your family! I know how hard it is to step out in faith when God says its time to go but He hasn’t told you what is next. Jeff and I faced that 10 years ago when He called us to full-time ministry. But, we learned we had to ’step out of the boat’ before we could walk on water! He didn’t let us sink! He was faithful! Keep your eyes on Jesus! He is not going to let you sink! He will enable you to do what He has called you to do!
Ann
God’s blessings and care to you and your family during this time.
You will probably never realize how well you set things up for the next guy. Ultimately, Kevin, if you look at the churches of the SBC, a significant percentage of them are churches just like the one you are leaving–traditional, in a transitional neighborhood, not willing to change, and with a congregation of members of whom 60 to 75% are over 60 years of age. Unless there is deep change, most of them will become disconnected from their communities, and they will die within 20 years. You were called to carry that message to your church, and hopefully, there are some people there who will realize that.
Kevin,
Your ministry through this blog has touched so many lives, including mine. I know that your ministry in the church has had and will continue to have an impact for the Kingdom of God.
I too will be praying for you.
This is so parallel to what we were going through the past year. And being the minister’s wife, my prayers are not only with you but especially your wife and children. And my tears. The pain is so fresh and raw. You all are NOT alone.
I’m really sad that it didn’t work out for you, as fresh views and methods should always be welcomed and debated.
Surely, your co-religionists will provide you with shelter, employment, etc til you find your feet? I do hope this is the case.
In case you dismantle your site, I’ll take the opportuity to say thanks for allowing me and countless others to chat, and thanks for passing on my messages to others.
Never fear- change nearly always works out for the better if you maintain a positive attitude. My grand-dad, an ardent globe-trotter,and one who relished change, always said, “When one door shuts, another inevitably opens.” It’s true!!
Good luck, and if I see you at a Starbucks, I will buy you a coffee, any sort you like, without making derogatory comments about it. Promise.
Kevin,
As I hear of opportunities, I will pass them your way and you will be in my prayers during this difficult time.
Wow!
I’m overwhelmed by so many kind words. I had many emails from people who have never commented and I didn’t even realize they read this blog.
For those who don’t understand blogs–it a new way of connecting. I have heard from people all over the world and I’m grateful for your love and support.
There are fine people at DMBC and I truly love them and pray for the best.
Having my wife and sister comment back to back was almost too much! I love you both.
I am truly blessed.
Kevin…
God has something in store for you… I know it..!!!
I am not just saying that I mean it, and deep in your heart you know it too!
Things are tough… but I am willing to bet in less than a year, you will be looking back in retrospect thanking God for every minute of this time…
I am praying for you!
There is not an experienced saint, but will find, that by all the good things and bad things he hath been trysted with, by all the various vicissitudes and changes of providence, he hath come to see more of God than he saw before… Ralph Erskine
From a man in the foxhole with you, let me say, “well done solja boy!” Ministry is a hard calling, but as a familiar group says…
THE FEW, THE PROUD…THE PASTOR.
Kevin,
It only takes a very few people to keep a Church from becoming the Church God wants it to be. I know God will open other doors for you.
Tom Parker
It is good to be in a situation where you could feel like the sky is falling and still know that God is God and that He is infinitely faithful and loving and kind. Trust in Him, wait on Him, and go where He says to go. Remember that Abraham didn’t even know what land he was going to, just that God would show him.
Kevin,
I have always said “I know we made the right decision”. Maybe it is true, as so many others have said, that it was us seeing your awesome vision and passion and hoping so much that DMBC was up for the challenge. You have made such a huge impact on so many lives and the time you spent with us was with out a doubt a huge blessing. Please do not lose your vision, there are too many out there that need your guidance and wisdom. Your home is in the pulpit where God called you. Wherever your journey takes you I will be in the cheering section right in the front row!
Love,
Patti Miller
Kevin:
Praying with you as you walk through these days. When I was in a similar place, Habakkuk 3:17-19 became a daily reminder of the One who is worthy and able. If there’s an extra chair at Starbucks, let me know…I’d like to drop by.
In Christ,
Bob L.
Sir, its been quite a year…
Kevin, Let me start by saying that your family walks with God in ways that most people can’t comprehend.
I’ve met a great deal of unique people over my lifetime, but none process a soul that has the gifts you carry. And Cassandra has been given so many natural abilities that you can genuinely “feel” them in her presence. Even your kids have touched many of us just by the way they see our world. Your family has become a light to so many.
I’ve seen first hand how you can better change the lives of those you have come in contact with. My vast exposure to religion over the years has only started to come into focus under your guidance and foresight. Others in the church has “come to” and “come through” so much with direction and counseling of both you and your bride. We have all been truly blessed!
I’ve served as a deacon, as a member of church council, as well as many other positions during your two years at Durham, and I can only hope I’ve never let you down. My Dad thought the world of you too, and detested seeing you go through so much just to please a few members of the church. He enjoyed the casual-dress, prop-wielding, biblical-fact Kevin that first came to grace our congregation. So did the rest of my family.
In closing, the only thing I can say is “Be true to Yourself”. You have great faith and Cassandra has a strong sense of discernment , both of which will serve your family well. Be the man that God, not mortal men, wants you to be…
May you know the Lords Will,
Michael
Kevin-
We did not leave Durham because of your style but because of the “few” who try to control and have lost sight of christianity in the name of religion. We appreciated the casual dress (especially Mike) and the bibilical knowledge that you brought to every sermon. We are sure that you will find a church who desires to have your vision and are willing to accept you unconditionally. Leaving a church is never easy but most of the time it’s the Lord’s hand pushing you. We do not have a job to offer you but will gladly have a smile, a caring ear, and a good meal to share with you and your family .
With love,
Mike, Karen and Zach
Kevin,
I look forward to your talk on church planting in the small church during our small church conference in May 2008. I want this on the record that you are still the guy to speak at the conference.
Kindest regards,
Les
Kevin,
We were blessed more than you could ever know for being our pastor. You are one of the most humble and sincere men I have ever met.
I know that the days ahead will be hard on my family with you not there but you have given us so much to go forward with and build upon.
I praise God everyday for you coming into our lives. So many times God laid on your heart scripture and sermons that I felt like were just for me.
Barry, Jordan and I love you and your family. You will remain close in our hearts forever. Since you are just down the street so we look forward to getting together regularly.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. And you can also know there are always “spirit sprinkles” just for you!!
Love,
Suzanne
Kevin -
I use to go to Durham and I loved it. I grew up going to church there, became saved, and baptized. Some of my favorite and most cherished memories are at Durham. Let me begin by saying that these are my opinions and feelings, and this is partially in response to a letter I received from you several months ago in the mail. I no longer attend services at Durham for a couple reasons. I live out of town for one (although I visit frequently), and for another, I received no spiritual food from your sermons. What I did get was the overwhelming sense of downplaying reverence (in the need to wear shorts, no ties, etc.) and sermons containing a lot of quotes from people I may or may not have heard about. I am from the “younger” generation and am almost insulted (No, I really am insulted) that there’s a driving force to CHANGE the church so that I may be more interested in God and feel more welcomed. People have been coming to know Christ for centuries without the help of a powerpoint presentation. To address John Fariss’ comment about the church becoming irrelevant to culture, I say Good! It should be irrelevant! The church should not become worldly or of the world. It should stand alone and unique from our culture. God is always constant and unchanging. Shouldn’t the church be the same way? Why does a church have to change to accomodate people’s desires? Shouldn’t it be accomodating Jesus’ desires? Aren’t WE the ones who should change? I agree change is necessary and inevitable. Does this mean I will change my cell phone from an analogue to a digital one? Yes. Does it mean the place of worship where I grew up and learned about Jesus, along with hundreds of others who have an unfailing faith in Christ should suddenly be “transitioned” so that the next generation isn’t lost? The next generation may be lost because of poor parenting, early loss of innocence, depletion of morals and values, a computer, TV, VCR set up in the bedroom of a young child, the desire for money, readily available temptations… So, Kevin when you said “updating” the methods of the church is necessary to reach our lost generation [from your user profile] and you based this on Judges 2:10, I find that the scripture doesn’t back your cause.
I hope you and your family find what you’re looking for. I will pray for you, too. And in the next breath pray for Durham. Your blogging buddies don’t seem to remember they need prayers, too.
Tina, (In Response to your Post)
I know you grew up at Durham and am aware of your visits since moving away. It is wonderful that God has given you the many cherished memories you spoke of. We know from experience the many loving people there.
However, the issues to address here run far deeper than cherished memories. They are issues that God speaks about very clearly in scripture.
This letter from the church was sent to numerous people and not only to YOU. This letter was voted on in a business meeting by the congregation. The congregation wanted a letter to be sent to all the members who have not been attending or who had possibly moved away. This was to let them know they were missed, as well as to determine if they had moved/relocated. Kevin was to sign the letter because he was the Pastor and because the congregation voted this way.
That is between you and the Holy Spirit that you received no spiritual food from Kevin’s sermons. The Pastor is not God and Kevin was called only by the Lord and by the Lord’s people (Durham) to lead Durham Memorial Baptist. In fact, this was a 98% calling from the congregation. Kevin always preached straight from the Bible and delivered the messages exactly by the scripture. It is a shame that you felt reverence was downplayed in the name of how one dresses or what is worn to church. I thought we are to live by God’s words and not man’s laws and rules. You yourself say, “Aren’t WE the ones who should change?” NO WHERE in scripture does it say what type of attire we are to wear to church. In fact, JESUS wore a robe and sandals, not a tie. Was this a downplay of reverence to God his Father? I think not! Jesus met people right where they were then, and He still does so today! 1 Samuel 16:7 says, ” But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things MAN looks at. MAN looks at the OUTWARD appearance, but the LORD looks at the HEART.” I am so thankful that my God JUDGES by faith and character, NOT appearances. He yearns for our hearts to be reconciled to him and desires for us to come to Him just as we ARE! Are we to cast a stone if a prostitute walked in the church doors dressed inappropriate, or would Jesus welcome her with open arms and point her to the cross?
I believe your being insulted about CHANGE is being directed in the wrong place. The committee from Durham contacted Kevin about what is referenced in his blog post about CHANGE and the Younger Generation; not the other way around. You mention the church and say, ” I say Good! ” It should be irrelevant!” What A shame! Again, Jesus cannot show up and meet US sinners right where we are if we can’t see how He moves in the issues of our life. That is relevance! God’s word or the message NEVER changes. Kevin always said this and He preached this. However, the methods do have to change for future generations to see that God does show up in the RELEVANT issues in their life, that He loves them UNCONDITIONALLY, and that MAN’s laws and rules do not have to be added to what the scripture says. That is legalism at it’s height! Thank God, there is freedom and grace in Christ, and that believers don’t have to be bound by man’s enforced “rules”!
My family and I are not “looking” for anything. Proverbs 19:21 says, ” Many are the plans in a man’s hearts, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” My family is awaiting for God to lead us according to HIS plans so that HIS purpose can prevail. This is our heartfelt prayer for Durham as well. I don’t believe it was necessary for you to judge or cast stones at Kevin’s “blogging buddies.” Most of them live and walk in the freedom and grace of a loving, forgiving God and I am sure are definitely aware of their need of prayer!
Thank you for stopping by Kevin’s blog and thank you God that we have freedom in Christ! Romans 8:1-2 says, “Therefore, there is NO condemnation in Christ for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
In His Grip,
Cassandra Bussey
Just wanted to say my thoughts are prayers are with your family. We have also gone through major transitions the past several years and God is SO faithful. Always trust as you remain in His will.
Be blessed!
Kevin,
I think I have only commented once - I think it was asking you if you have ever heard Jeff Walling speak at Providence Road Church of Christ. What is going on in the Baptist church re: change/culture etc is also happening in many churches of Christ. I say “praise the Lord” I am excited about Christ followers of all tribes beginning to question “traditions of Man” in their own fellowships, mine included. I am sure God has a plan for you. I have been blessed by reading your blog and I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Another good blog you might enjoy reading is written by my minister, Bobby Valentine. It is called
Well, the link didn’t come through for Bobby’s blog. You will find it at http://www.stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com
Kevin,
WOW!!! I didn’t think I would ever make it the bottom. You certainly have a lot of people supporting you. I was amazed of all encouragement. You and Cassandra are truly role models for so many.
I canât even grasp how hard it must be for you and your family. I am praying for you all daily. God knows your heart and struggles and will reward your faithfulness.
Deuteronomy 1:1111 May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!
We love you Kevin and Cassandra!
Kevin,
We have been blessed to have you and your family here for two years. I will always remember you for your great passion for leading the lost to Jesus Christ. Sometimes our spiritual life gets cluttered with less important things (and things that do not matter at all) which keeps us from focusing on what Jesus would want us to do. You always had “reaching the lost” as your top priority. It has been a joy working with someone as humble and caring as you are. We will miss you and your precious family, Cassandra (Mama Cass), Jacob & Hope. Thank you for being my Pastor and friend.
Debbie
Kev,
I am praying for you and your family and for the church. It is about to go through a very difficult time.
You are one of my most admired friends. Your passion for reaching the lost is compelling.
kevin and casaandra,
my heart hurts for both of you. dawn and i will be praying for you. mike
In response to the message by Tina where she criticises Kevin’s efforts to bring change to her church… it’s important to be able to distinguish between what-you-are-used-to and what-really-is-sacred.
There is a quote attributed to “Ma” Ferguson who was the governor of Texas in 1920 that goes “If the King’s English was good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for me!” which could easily be used as a substitute for Tina’s message and which commits the same logical fallacy.
The thing is though, we all have a tendency to commit this same fallacy. There are things we all hold sacred without ever having questioned the reasons for it. And it’s extremely liberating when you manage to identify one and, using sound reasoning, remove it from its pedestal.
Good luck Kevin.
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