Monday, November 04, 2013

Transition


Yesterday I shared my resignation letter with Gallery Church. Here it is. 

Gallery Church Family,

Five years ago, gripped with a vision to plant churches all throughout New York City, Susan, Jack and I moved to New York to join the church planting team of Gallery Church, as a teaching pastor.  By God's grace, this city quickly became our home and this church quickly became our family.

In December of 2012, Susan and I got unexpectedly pregnant with our fourth child, Parker. The months following this news were a roller coaster for us. We weren't immediately sure what our next step would be. Eventually, we determined to stay and to seek every sustainable advantage that would enable us to thrive in the city with four kids. We are grateful for the generous churches and many people that partnered with us to secure these sustainable advantages. Yet, now after living in the city for a year with four kids and after much, prayer, reflection and counsel, we believe that God is leading us out of New York City and into a new season of ministry.  

And so, it is with sincere sadness and sober gladness that I announce my resignation as Pastor of Gallery Church. 

We are sad to leave you, the people that have become precious to us. It has been one of my life's greatest privileges to serve as your pastor and to grow with you over these years. Our elders, staff and deacons have been a great joy to serve with. They have been very gracious and patient with me as a young pastor.
 
We also have a sober gladness. We are glad because our hearts are unified and this is God's direction for us. We are glad because this signifies a new day for us and for Gallery Church. Our God is the glorious maker of all things new and we will watch expectantly to see what wondrous things He does in this next new season at Gallery Church!

Our exact timeline is still falling into place, but our family will be in New York City at least until the week of Thanksgiving. We will be moving to our hometown in Tennessee for a brief season of rest and renewal as we prepare for whatever season of ministry God has for us next.  

We thank you for how you have loved our kids. So many of you are their heroes. You will not be forgotten. Large families can and will continue to flourish in New York City. It isn't easy, but it can most definitely be done. Everyone's story is unique and we each must faithfully sojourn the path that God leads us on.  

We believe now more than ever that New York City is one of the most strategic places on the planet for gospel ministry. In the years to come, we hope to encourage more and more churches around the country to partner with ministries here in New York.

During this season of transition, I encourage you to follow the leadership here at Gallery Church. God has given this church gracious, wise, and godly leaders - you can trust them. Susan and I are confident that Gallery’s brightest days are ahead.

We are thankful for you. We ask you to pray for us and we commit to praying for you. 

With all our love,


Freddy T. & Susan Wyatt