I Am Stepping Down from The Rock

Yesterday I announced to our congregation that Michelle and I are resigning The Rock Church. Honestly, it was the finale of a brutal week of informing those I love dearly that the Lord is calling us to step down.

I’ll be sharing more in the coming days about what and where we’re going but here is the letter I read through tears yesterday:

June 22, 2008

Dear Rock Church family,

After many months of internal wrestling, seeking the Lord through prayer and the counsel of godly friends, Michelle and I have made what has proved to be the most difficult decision of our lives; God is leading us to step down from pastoring The Rock Church.

This has been a tremendously difficult decision because we genuinely love this church, the leaders, the mission, and each and every one of you. Many of you have discovered the savior, Jesus Christ in this family and you are the reason we started The Rock. It has always been about His mission, not mine. His purposes, not my personality. His calling, not my charisma. It has been an enormous privilege to pioneer this amazing church and serve you for the past 9 years.

Our last Sunday together will be July 20th and so for the next 5 weeks our Elders will be seeking the Lord as to what He would have for the next season here. I do know this: God is leading and He will direct our paths but this next chapter will require you, everyone of you, to dig deep in prayer, patience, generosity, faith and hope. His future for The Rock Church is one of promise as you continue to be faithful to Him and His mission. He will lead you into a hopeful and amazing future; seeing hundreds and even thousands of people come to faith, grow in Christ, and sent to serve their world. This is His church. It is His mission. He is faithful to lead The Rock into its next season of service.

Over the next several weeks, we will have many opportunities to express our deepest appreciation and love for each of you. Please know that The Rock Church family will always hold a special place in our hearts. There are so many moments that will go down as highlights for us in our lifetime of memories. Thanks to all of you for accepting me and embracing my family. We’ve been stretched and inspired, and have grown through the influence of so many of you.

We really do covet your prayers and you can certainly count on ours. We will be cheering the ministry of The Rock on for the rest of our lives.
Humbled to serve Christ and you,

Scott Harris

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This entry was posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2008 at 7:17 amand is filed under Faith, Family, Leadership. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
  • http://www.nickcarnes.com Nick

    I am sure this is a tough time leaving your church and those you love. I hope the best for you and your family in the days to come.

  • http://www.rainymay.com Michelle Harris

    I couldn’t have said it better. We will be cheering on the ministry of the Rock the rest of our lives! This so beautifully conveys my heart as well!

  • http://changeitmarketing.com Kevin

    Scott,

    God bless you and your family. My family has only attended the Rock for a little under a year, but in that time you and your church has truly blessed us. We felt blessed to have stumbled (with Gods help) upon the Rock. In the Rock we finally found a Church we loved and knew that our unchurched friends would like as well.

    I know that God has amazing things in store for you, and I look forward to seeing what God does in your life. You are an amazing reflection of God’s true love, and I just hope you continue to share it on a larger stage.

    God Bless You,
    Kevin Urie

  • http://jasondeuman.com Jason

    Scott, I will be praying for you and the Rock.

  • http://jessephillips.wordpress.com Jesse Phillips

    Scott, I’m sorry to hear that you’re stepping down. Or should I be happy for you? I mean, is this a stepping out of “ministry” for a while, is this a negative thing, are you leaving because of The Rock, or leaving to pursue another opportunity? (the letter is a little ambiguous)

  • http://pastorpaul.blogspot.com Paul Kuzma

    Scott,

    Though we have never spoken and know each other only as Tweets, I want you to know that I am praying with you as you transition into your next season. While these changes carry much pain, they also see much joy through their birth pains. What will the Lord do next? Excited to see how that question gets answered for you and your family!

    Many blessings!

    Paul

  • Bob The Prophet

    Don;t do it!

  • http://www.greatparkchurch.com Pastor Eric

    Scott,
    We are only twitter friends, but I will pray for you tonight. Let me know if you ever vist Orange County, CA. I know how hard it is to step out and follow God’s call.
    Eric

  • http://nickiii.com Nick III

    I was definitely surprised to get your twitter update this morning. I’ll be praying for you and your family, as I’m sure this is not an easy process. I know God has great things in store for you all.

  • http://aaronjjames.blogspot.com Aaron James (Sexton)

    Wow Scott, It’s the end of an era. It’s going to be hard to picture The Rock without you. God bless you in whatever you do.

  • http://www.redhedrev.com Mike Rowell

    I will pray for you and yours.

    It’s good, but it’s never, ever easy. Especially if it’s been good.

    Blessings…

  • http://www.johnnylaird.blogspot.com Johnny Laird

    Wow! Interesting times ahead, no doubt Scott.

    ..will be watching with much interest.

    Be sure of God’s presence in everything.

    Pax

    J

  • http://www.withoutwax.tv Pete Wilson

    Praying for you guys Scott!!!