I love Tony Morgan! If you have read this blog for any length of time you know the incredible amount of respect that I have for him—heck, I link him more than I link any other person! He is a great friend and the Lord has used him to challenge and encourage me both personally and professionally.
However, yesterday afternoon we (Tony, myself and the rest of our leadership team at NewSpring) all came to the incredibly difficult and painful conclusion that Tony should no longer be a part of the staff at NewSpring Church. It was not a decision that was made in the moment; in fact, lots of prayer and discussion has taken place over the past several months leading up to this…and everyone knows that though it was not an easy choice, it was the right choice.
Tony and I both are passionately in love with Jesus…we both love HIS church…we both want to see people meet Christ…and we both believe the churches best days are ahead of her! However, our approach to leadership and the execution of the vision were slightly different…and while we DO agree on most things there was a slight disagrement on the methodology of as to how execution of the vision was to take place.
As a part of the discussion yesterday Tony said that he didn’t want his style of leadership to hinder our church…and that he really felt that the Lord has equipped him to lead in a way that, while it is effective, may not be the best for the way things operate at NewSpring.
AND…as a leader I want to see the people that serve with me THRIVE and LOVE what they do. Tony was not fulfilled in what he was doing…and that bothered me because I wanted him to be able to succeed in life and fulfilll what Jesus is placing inside of him!!!
Tony and I are not angry with each other (heck, he even hugged me once after all of this…if you know Tony…THAT’S HUGE!) He and his family are going to continue to attend NewSpring Church until the Lord shows him his next step. Our church is going to continue to provide for him and his family until a transition can be made. AND…I honestly believe our friendship will grow stronger as a result of this.
I know some of you are reading this and wondering, “OK…this is all good…but what REALLY happened?” Uh…that’s it. There is no “scoop.” There is no “inside story.” It came down to months of praying…seeking the Lord…talking openly and honestly with one another…and then realizing that this decision was best for Tony, the church…and ultimately the Kingdom of God!
I would ask that everyone pray for Tony and his family as he will be seeking the Lord’s direction in the days ahead. Also pray for our leadership team as we transition through this time. As I said earlier…everyone knows this is the right decision…but none of us really liked it! Why? Because we love Tony and hated to see him leave…BUT…I know God’s Kingdom will GROW because of this! NewSpring’s best days are ahead of her…and Tony’s best days are ahead of him. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for him…I know it is going to be amazing.
Here are this thoughts that he has posted on his site…
Let me share some big news from my world. Yesterday, Perry and I mutually agreed that I should leave the staff team at NewSpring Church. I can assure you it was a decision that wasn’t entered into lightly. Both Perry and I have had this weighing on us for some time. Perry and I share a lot of commonalities in ministry and leadership, but, if you know Perry and me very well, you know that we also approach both a little differently - differently enough that I was not fulfilled in my role.
Just to set the record straight here, we’re talking about differences that would be non-essentials if I was just attending NewSpring (which I plan to continue doing), but the differences weren’t healthy for the church or for me in the leadership role Perry needed me to fill.
Now, before you start reading into this more than you should, hear me out:
- I still love Perry and the ministry of NewSpring Church.
- I’m still 100% behind the vision God has given Perry.
- You are a fool if you don’t think God is using NewSpring to help people meet Jesus and experience new life.
- Perry promised he’d still be my friend. (But I’m still not going to let him hug me.)
Where does that leave me? I have no idea. I’m not at all sure what the future holds. I’m scared, but I’m not worried, if that makes sense. I’m questioning God, but I trust God completely.
I have a huge passion for the local church and reaching people for Jesus, but I’m not at all sure how God will use that in the future. I’m waiting on God to provide clear direction. And, frankly, after more than 10 years of nonstop ministry, this unexpected sabbatical may be God-ordained.
With that, really, I could use your wisdom. If you want to teach me, encourage me, challenge me, slap some sense into me or anything else, I’m ready for that.
In the mean time, please pray for Perry, the NewSpring family and my family. I’m confident the best is yet to come for all of us.