October 20, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Serving as your pastor for the past 13 years (effective November 15th) has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and certainly my most rewarding experience in pastoral ministry. As Paul said of his especially beloved Philippians, so I will always say of you, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you!” (Phil. 1:3).

But after over four decades in the full-time ministry of the church, I feel my soul yearning for a new chapter when I can spend more time with my beloved wife, Bambi, and with our daughter, Whitney, son-in-law, Jay, and grandsons, James (12) and Andrew (9). 

So effective January 31, 2025, I will be retiring as your pastor. My last Sunday will be Sunday, January 26th.

Certainly, I feel a sense of sadness and loss at ending such a precious relationship with my Knollwood family. But mostly, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the long and fruitful partnership we have shared and for all the vital Kingdom work our crucified and risen Lord has done in and through us.

My clarity and conviction that now is the time for me to retire is also grounded in my deep respect for and abiding trust in the good people of Knollwood Baptist Church. Our church is vital and strong, growing and thriving, and I have every confidence that Knollwood will continue to be a Christ-centered “city on a hill” and the “light of the world” that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14-16). By God’s grace and the good work of God’s people, Knollwood will shine forth a radiant light beckoning all God’s children to come Home to the embrace and welcome, grace and goodness, of God.

Toward that end, I have worked with our Chair and Vice-Chair of Deacons, Spence O’Neill and Diane Lipsett, and our Chair and Vice-Chair of Personnel, John Boehme and Cliff Pennell, to ensure the best possible transition as Knollwood seeks first an interim pastor and then her next pastor. These able leaders will work with the DEC (Deacon Executive Council), Staff, Deacons, other lay leaders, and the congregation at large to shape a process that will birth a wonderful new beginning for our church.

Spence, Diane, John, and Cliff will be in touch tomorrow via a church-wide email about how Knollwood can and will effectively navigate the transition ahead.

In the days and weeks to come, I look forward to our sharing about the joys and triumphs, as well as the sadness and the tears, that have marked our journey together.

But for now and always, I remain, your awed and grateful fellow pilgrim in the way of Jesus in that God-breathed, God-blessed fellowship of believers known as Knollwood Baptist Church.

Blessings,