A couple of years ago I took a sabbatical, in part to seek the Lord for how I should proceed in ministry. I had been wrestling through some personal issues of vision and direction.
Mainly, I felt somewhat unsettled in my calling.
Our family had just made a journey out of an unhealthy spiritual context, and I was trying to figure out how my passions for spiritual formation, church planting, writing, and teaching would culminate in the new ministry context.
After some time of fasting and praying, reading and meditating, and counseling with spiritual mentors, I was able to gain some clarity about my gifts and ministry calling.
The Lord led us to spend a couple more years as church planters ministering in North Las Vegas; but on sabbatical, I made an important discovery. I’m a writer and a teacher who cares deeply about three issues:
- the Great Conversation
- the Great Commandment
- and the Great Commission.
After serving 20 years in pastoral ministry in various contexts (youth, assistant, church planter, education), I will be stepping down from the pulpit on July 26, 2015 to finish my doctorate.
The Lord has opened some incredible doors for us.
Our family (at least the last three of us still at home) will be relocating to the Northwest where I’ll be teaching and completing a Master’s degree in Theology and Letters (a graduate writing program) along with my Ph.D. in Philosophy.
Titus will be completing high school in a classical Christian school, learning Latin and studying the classics. Tammy has secured a great job as the administrative assistant to the executive board at the local hospital where she’ll work while finishing nursing school.
Currently, I am assisting the pulpit committee at Northpointe as we search for a pastor who will lead the church into its next stage of maturity and ministry. Your prayers are appreciated.
If you want to stay connected, be sure to subscribe to the tribe at scottpostma.net where I share valuable tips on writing, rich insights into faith and literature, and meaningful perspective on living a life of significance.
You can also sign up for daily devotionals at Crumbs from our Master’s Table, or connect on your favorite social media platform.
Great looking page!
God Bless. Matthew 22:37. God is so good. I pray God gives you the desires of your heart, as we know He will if we first delight ourselves in The Lord first, He will. I graduated with your awesome brother Carl.
Pastor Postma
I am happy to hear that you will be continuing your education. I am even happier that you will still be involved in teaching. I learned so much from you and am forever grateful. I continue to look forward to your writings and wish you the very best as you continue on with what God has planned for your life.
Blessings on this new adventure! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Exciting! I’m glad you have found clarity in this. And moving closer too! Might we be seeing you more often?
Wow! Sounds like the same announcement my pastor delivered just two weeks ago. August 2nd he begins a new Church Planting ministry in Nashville. I am excited for him & his family (and for you and your family). Him and I were discussing how Jabez asked God to grant him a greater sphere of influence, not for his own sake, but for God’s name sake.
I’ve been through a similar situation in as much as struggling with the gifts and talents God gives each of us and how to best use them for His glory. One of my gifts has always been the ability to begin ministries and then turn them over to someone else. My daily prayer, when I wake and even before my feet hit the floor is, “Lord direct me to someone today that I might add value to their live.”
As you transition know that you will be on my heart, on my mind and in my prayers.
Gene Papke
Booneville, MS
I am praying for you and your family. I know you’ll continue to live for Him and use your talents wisely. Love to you all!
Congratulations on continuing your education. Good luck in finding a new pastor. I’m sure the Lord will bless your church with someone wonderful as you.So happy for your family. I look forward to reading your posts and being updated.
My foot wound is not healed yet, but I will try to keep in touch with you my friend. Great job, I am glad to know you as my friend and brother. ~Blessings~