Many interesting events have occurred on October 24 throughout history:
*Jane Seymour, third wife of King Henry VIII of England, died 12 days after childbirth in 1537.
*The 40-hour work week began in the Unites States in 1940.
*The charter of the United Nations officially came into effect in 1945.
*The great Dodger Hall of Famer, Jackie Robinson, died at age 53 in 1972.
*The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Atlanta Braves, 4-3, in Game 6 to win the 1992 World Series.
But on a more personal note, events that surfaced on October 24, 2009 signified the conclusion of a fruitful church ministry for my wife Kim and me, which I’ve detailed in my book Church Coup: A Cautionary Tale of Congregational Conflict. (If you don’t have a copy, you can order one by clicking on the picture on the right.)
Since we resigned and left the church in December 2009, I’ve started a blog (303 articles and counting), formed a non-profit ministry, written a book, conducted seminars on addressing conflict biblically, and counseled lay leaders, staff members, and pastors who are undergoing conflict in their churches.
I plan to continue doing this – and much more – as long as God gives me breath.
But I’ve never celebrated online the wonderful ministry that my wife Kim and I enjoyed for nearly that entire 10 1/2-year period. In all my writing, I’ve never even mentioned the name of the church where we served or the city where it’s located … and that policy will continue.
Most of the time, my memory won’t allow me to mentally navigate to any time before 2009. But just looking through pictures of happier times evokes a positive emotional reaction for me, which is why I’m glad I took thousands of photos documenting our ministry.
Rather than recount the pain, today I’d like to remember times, events, and people that the Lord blessed … and that once again bring a smile to my face.
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In 1999, the Lord led my wife Kim and me to a church that we didn’t really want to serve. The church building was invisible from the street and located at the end of a long parking lot (behind the trees in the photo) … and yet perched on a beautiful lagoon.
A group of 29 parties banded together and donated funds for us to have a down payment on a house … just 30 seconds from the water.
The Lord blessed the ministry to the extent that we became the largest Protestant church in our city and eventually built a worship center on the church’s small, one acre property.
Several years later, 785 people attended our two worship services on Easter … more than maximizing the small campus. That year, the congregation donated nearly a million dollars to the ministry.
We hosted many outreach events on our campus, like Summer Bible Camp for kids …
and Western Fall Fun Fest for families every Halloween.
We penetrated our community by marching in the city’s annual Fourth of July Parade, passing out literature about our ministry, and even winning several trophies.
Our church also took four mission trips to Moldova. The first time, I taught a course on Christian marriage – the final course in a 3-year leadership training program – with the graduates pictured below.
Three years later, I taught pastors and leaders in Moldova how to manage conflict in their ministries … right before walking into my own conflict back home.
Kim also led two teams to Kenya, culminating in generous donations from our congregation and community for the building of a well in a remote village many hours from Nairobi. Kim led a team for the dedication of the well. In the photo below, Pastor Peter obtains water from the well, and then …
Kim meets Stephen Musyoka, who was then Vice President of Kenya. He flew into the village via helicopter for the dedication.
One of the great things about Kim is that she adapts to any situation, whether it’s joking with a VP …
speaking in front of a village …
or sharing the gospel using the Wordless Book.
Throughout the entire 10 1/2 years at the church, Kim and I served as a team. Our daughter Sarah came around at key times as well.
In retrospect, it’s good that I left the church when I did. While I’m still not crazy about how we left, God will handle those things.
My friend and mentor Dr. Charles Chandler says that while a church can take your job, they can never take your calling. That’s certainly true.
But there’s something else that no person or group can ever take away: the hundreds of lives that were changed through that ministry.
When I first entered Talbot Seminary in 1975, my initial class was with Dr. Charles Feinberg, who was a legend in Christian circles.
Dr. Feinberg told our class, “If you can do anything other than being a pastor, do it.”
I’ve felt that way many times!
But I’m glad for the 36 years that God allowed me to serve him in pastoral ministry.
And I’m grateful that God now allows me to help other pastors and churches navigate their way through conflict situations.
It’s my personality to draw on past experiences to help others … and yet none of us can afford to dwell on the past too much.
As baseball immortal Satchel Paige used to say, “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.”
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10
Restoring Kingdom Builders 
Hi Honey, Thank you for allowing me to minister by your side to see God do wonderful things for His kingdom. You are amazing and God has blessed you beyond measure:)! Let’s keep serving the one who gave His life for us! I love you and I am proud of you. Love Kim
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Thank you, Kim, for your kind words, which you share not only in writing, but also in person. Thanks for all your encouragement and support. Let’s keep going … better days are ahead.
Jim
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I can’t believe it has been 4 years to the day. My heart broke the day you and Kim had to leave the church. You’re both resilient. I miss you both very much. Looking at the photos you posted reminds me of how much I loved attending that church and hearing your message every Sunday. It breaks my heart that the trust I placed I the church was completely shattered by the way you and Kim were treated. My faith is never in question, but confidence in attending another church has yet to be restored.
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Vicki, thanks so much for writing. Yes, that was a sad day for many of us … not everybody, I might add … but I sense that we are where we’re supposed to be right now. I miss the wind and the water and our many friends, including you and Demetrios, but as you and Demetrios know, the life of a pastor requires periodic movement. You’ll find another church when you’re ready.
My son Ryan is developing an app for Roku for Saddleback Church where Rick Warren is the pastor. On those Sundays you don’t attend church, you might check out the Saddleback app on Roku and watch sermons. And if you don’t have a Roku, it’s well worth owning … just $50-$60 for a box.
Jim
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The Lord rewards faithfulness He is on your side to do so and elevate you to higher level.
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Jones, my friend, thank you so much! We will trust the Lord to reveal His plans in His time and way.
Jim
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Hi Jim and Kim,
You both are living proof of Romans 8:28 — and God has given you the opportunity to minister to those who have gone through significant hurt and pain. Our experiences are never ours alone — God intends to continue to mold us and shape us and even use the hurtful things in our lives to benefit others (people and churches). That’s certainly been true in my life through the series of events you and I have discussed in the past. Just reading through what you have done these past 4 years shows me that God is not finished with you yet (not by a long shot). He’s just perfecting you and causing you to once again realize He’s in charge. Now you get to live a life of faith that you wouldn’t have known otherwise — and what could be more fun than that?!
How well I remember those days for you in 2009. But I can think of one good thing that did come out of all that — we became friends and for that I’m very grateful. So keep looking up, keep serving Jesus, and remember He’s got only the best in store for you both!!
~~Chuck
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Chuck, thanks for your kind words and profound thoughts. Yes, I suppose we are being perfected in many ways. Sometimes I remember how I felt when I was pastoring my last church. I tried so hard to be responsive, to be caring, to be gracious, to love people. I monitored myself to make sure I wasn’t needlessly causing offense … but if you slip up once or twice, someone is there to pounce on you. I don’t know how it is for you, but sometimes I can’t remember the good … I only remember the flak … and that’s just not healthy. Thanks for being my friend.
Jim
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Hi Jim and Kim —
10 1/2 years is a long and gracious time allowed by the Lord to minister to families, individuals, regular attenders, the once-in-a-lifetime guest, good friends, not-so-good friends … and 10 1/2 years is a long time to make memories over so many special occasions: baptisms, weddings, church events, holidays etc. 10 1/2 years is a long time to be there when it counted: funerals, hospital visits, jail visits…late night appointments…praying with someone to receive Christ.
I write all that to say that God used you greatly for 10 1/2 years in a variety of ways. Don’t let Satan rob you of the joy that the Lord accomplished through you for those 10 1/2 years. Yes, there were sad times and horrific days. But you know what? Those were only brought about by a handful of people. So don’t them rob you of the joy of knowing the Lord used you for effective ministry.
I was at my church for 13 years when it all happened to me. For a long time I could not discuss that church at all. But my wife kept prodding me to not dwell on the all the horrible stuff at the end but to remember all the above events I wrote about in the first paragraph to you. And you know what? In the 10 years since all that happened, I’ve received phone calls to do weddings, funerals, hospital visitations — and I’ve received numerous apologies as people have come to reflect on those days and realized we were not treated right. Then I had to learn what real forgiveness is all about. Those people were duped by the evil one pure and simple and I needed to forgive them.
So I’m praying that you will, at some point, be able to do the same because you had a very effective ministry for the Lord. My wife is also fond of this statement: “Man cannot do to you what God does not allow.” God is sovereign. Sometimes a tough pill to swallow but He’s sovereign nonetheless.
~~Chuck
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I’m so proud of you both. It is required of a steward to be found faithful. You have been and you are. So glad this anniversary reminded you of the great things God did while you were serving in that church.
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Thanks for leaving a comment, Dave, and for your kind words. It’s not always easy to forget the past. Sometimes, I suppose, it helps to superimpose something positive over it.
Saw a photo of your speaking at Chuck’s service yesterday. Wish I could have heard you! I liked the comment someone wrote on Facebook today that you always had Chuck’s back. How different than the way too many pastors are treated today.
Jim
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wonderful moments shared there. I pray that if Christ tarries and God gives you more years – and He will, that you will accomplish even greater things and record and share even more joyous moments of victory and achievements.
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Thank you, Brother Elijah, for your encouraging and inspiring words! May the Lord richly bless you now and always!
Jim
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Dear Jim and Kim,
Thank you so much for sharing this celebration of your ministry. Even though the memories may be bittersweet, the photos capture a wonderful time in our lives. Your dedication and love has always shone through, even during the painful moments.
Furthermore, your efforts have not been in vain, because they were illuminated by the love of Christ Jesus. I am inspired by both of you. You shared so much with us all, while exhibiting a humble and undisguised heart.
The short time we spent in each other’s company will forever be etched in my heart. I pray for both of you on a daily basis and am reminded of you many times. I was recently reading Job and thought about you and how we must be mindful of the fact that, just as Christ’s suffering is ours, so also is his comfort. Some of the greatest saints have suffered some of the greatest hurts and setbacks, only to come out with some of the greatest blessings and comforts.
I love the words of Annie Johnson Flint’s hymn, “He Giveth More Grace.” I send this to you because again, it makes me think of you.
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our horded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow’r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!
God bless you and your entire family.
With Love,
Demetrios
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Demetrios,
What an inspiring and encouraging note! Thanks so much for taking the time to write. I remember the hymn you quoted from when I was a kid. I even remember the tune!
If we could just get Dylan to sing it and Jeff Beck to play it …
I’ve been amazed by the response I’ve received to yesterday’s article. Originally, I was going to share some quotes from notes and letters that people wrote us before we left the church, but Kim couldn’t find them in time.
This afternoon, I spoke with a pastor whose church grew three times larger within three years … and people in the church forced him to leave. His sin? By growing the church, he was gaining more authority. When he left, the church shrank back to its original size, as often happens. I was able to help him largely because of what I’ve been through myself.
Let’s always stay in touch. When we can, it would be wonderful to get together. Right now, I have to clean the house. We had 8 kids over tonight and the place is a mess!
Jim
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Jim,
The good ol’ days. I remember them well. It was such an exciting time for us and the church. Sure, there we bumps along the way, but we prospered and grew as individuals, as friends and as a church. My faith and trust in the Lord certainly grew while I served with you. But most of all, I had fun!
There is not one single memory of those years that I would call a favorite. It is the cumulative effect of all of them that puts a smile on my face.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
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I appreciate your comments, Dave. It WAS fun, wasn’t it? We had a great time serving the Lord most of the time. While I do have my favorite moments, sometimes it’s good to remember that your life … and ministry … can’t be defined by isolated moments, but by the cumulative effect over the years.
Few people are more faithful and persistent in serving the Lord than you are. Thanks for all the ways that you serve the Lord with your gifts.
Jim
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