I have to admit – the last few months haven’t been “smooth sailing.”

My family and I have been wrestling with a decision that has proven to be God-ordained, yet extremely difficult. After roughly a year or so of praying, seeking, and listening, I have made the decision to follow God’s call, in which I’m completely confident.

Starting March 27th, 2011, I will be starting a new, full-time job outside of the church, and I will be the new Worship Arts Pastor at Vertical Church in Lumberton. Consequently, my family and I will be leaving First Presbyterian Church, where I’ve been since I was born, and where I’ve served on staff for nearly 5 years.

Before I go any further with this, I need to make it completely and perfectly known that I am not mad at anyone from FPC. I’m not upset with anyone. This is a case of God clearly calling me to a place, while simultaneously clearly calling me away from a place. I have heard God’s call loud and clear, and in obedience have made the decision to follow.

My ministry at FPC has been amazing. I’ve led a total of 13 youth retreats and mission trips, been youth leader to nearly 100 teenagers, led music for countless children and adults, and led worship at FPC’s contemporary service. I’ve made lots of friends within the church, and grown immensely closer to God through the ministry of the church.

This past week, I fasted from all food completely, in an attempt to “decrease, that He might increase.” God increased in a big way, and made very clear to me His intentions. The last 24 hours have been rough, as I’ve had to break this news to many people who are very close to me and my ministry through FPC. This is a decision that has caused many tears, much of which have been on the part of my wife and I. I’ll certainly miss those people to whom I minister at FPC, but I know God’s call is sure for me at Vertical.

So, thank you to everyone at First Presbyterian Church for the love, care, and nurture you’ve shown me and my family. I will certainly remember you in prayer, and I hope you’ll do the same for my family.

In the coming weeks, I’ll write more about this prior week, including my fasting journal, intense Bible reading, and more about my relationship with Vertical and the pastors there.

I’ll finish this up with a copy of the letter I read to the Session at First Presbyterian yesterday morning:

To the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Lumberton:

This letter is my personal notice to you that I will be resigning as Director of Youth Ministries and Assistant Music Director. With your blessing, I will conclude my ministry at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 20th, after the 11:00am worship service.

My family and I have prayed and struggled over this decision for quite some time, but are confident in God’s call to us to other opportunities. My entire family will miss First Presbyterian Church dearly, as it has been the church home of my children and I since birth, and of my wife for nearly ten years.

I will continue to pray for the leadership and congregation of First Presbyterian Church, that it may continue to grow and bear much fruit in accordance with God’s will. It is my prayer that this congregation would continue to seek God’s kingdom and righteous will above all else, that it may continue to prosper and serve faithfully in the life of our community and around the world. I faithfully believe that great things are on the horizon for God’s church here at First Presbyterian.

I offer my heartfelt gratitude for all that this church has meant to me over the years. Through your generosity, grace, and support, I have grown as a person, as a husband and father, a leader, a student, and as a child of God. My wife and children have been continually blessed and nurtured by their experiences here as well.

During this time, I ask that you would please pray for my family as we embark on a new road following God’s call upon our lives.

I would consider it an honor to serve the church in any way I can, as you search for a replacement for my position. Please do not hesitate to call me if I can further help with the transition process.

Under His Mercy,
Jon Lloyd