Resignation Letter from Lead Pastor, Brad Riddle

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June 8, 2008

Christ’s Place Executive Leaders, Staff and Congregation,

It is with great affection for you and a sense of urgency for the ministry of Christ’s Place in the future that I submit my resignation as Lead Pastor effective July 27, 2008.

God called me out of a full time counseling practice nearly 18 years ago to minister at Christ’s Place during its time of need. It has been an honor to submit my gifts to the Lord in the pastoral care of this body of believers. It has also been my privilege to serve as your Lead Pastor. Judy and I thank you whole heartedly for your overwhelming affirmation.

In these past months I have sensed a shift in my spirit to move beyond pastoral ministry. This is due in part to the completion of my doctorate in Marriage and Family Counseling from Denver Seminary and in the evaluation of my own ministry gifts and calling. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt it was God’s timing which brought us to Christ’s Place and I sense now His timing to transition away.

My personal struggle has been whether I can relinquish the passion for this body to grow and mature as outwardly focused believers, and whether I can relinquish the security of these many years and relationships with you. Therefore, during the entire week of May 12th, while Judy was helping family in Missouri, I was able to spend long hours with the Lord in quiet prayerful reflection. The decision feels both right and sad, but peaceful.

Our hope is that this transition will be steeped in prayer and integrity as leadership seeks God’s direction. “May the Lord place a guard before all of our hearts and a watch before our lips.“ (Psalm 141:3-4 )

Judy and I will be taking some vacation time in early August. This fall I will establish a full time counseling practice in Lincoln. I am very excited to return to this ministry and sense God’s timing in it! Judy will seek employment or schooling. We will keep our home in Lincoln, although we will not be attending Christ’s Place. We desire that the next Lead Pastor have complete freedom to lead this church forward.

God Bless us all,
Pastor Brad and Judy