I guess I shouldn’t say it’s my news, as it is my family’s news, or the news of God’s work in my family.
The Short Bullet-Point Version:
- I turned in my notice to Big Valley Grace as of May 22.2012 (BVG was gracious to let me announce now and stay around till then)
- I will be moving to Maryville or Alcoa, TN after Kaitlyn’s 8th grade graduation on May 23rd (this is near Michelle’s family in Knoxville, TN. This is a return home after she has followed me around the country for 15+ years. I am so happy for her.)
- This is a step out of professional ministry into full-time markplace, itinerant preaching, & writing a book ministry.
- Michelle and I will be job hunting soon; her for a social work position and me for Certified Personal Trainer/Instructor positions in a corporate office or in a local gym chain. I will also be doing odd jobs and/or church teaching gigs as well.
- Michelle will be finishing her Master’s of the (universe) Social Work degree through a highly accredited online program.
- The kiddos are excited and nervous, as any kids their age would be!
The Longer More-Drawn-Out Version:
I have been feeling the tugging of God on my life for quite some time now toward this decision. God has been just deepening the convictions I have about professional paid ministry and my role in that. I want to be a shepherd of God’s people, investing in the kingdom, and teaching people to be followers of Christ forever. And oddly enough, I believe (that is what makes it a conviction) that you don’t have to be a paid church employee to fulfill this aspect of the Great Commission mandate. Therefore, God has called me into the marketplace– to be a tent-maker of sorts like Paul in the epistles of the New Testament. There is nothing unholy about being vocationally “church-free” and dedicated to the work of the ministry. Some people call this laity.
This conviction has led me to develop marketable skills outside the church as a Certified Personal Trainer, Spin Instructor, Extra-Sensitive People Person, Teacher, leader, and writer. My hopes are to use this skills and be a light of hope in dark places in very intentional ways ( I Peter 2:09).
I feel much like the priests of the New Testament that worked in the temple, and when they pledged allegiance to Christ ceased performing the sacrifices in the temple. They switched from all they had ever known because of the miracle of the Risen Christ. In this transition, I feel I can relate in many ways. This is a starting over place that will take a lot of faith for myself and my family. God is pressing our buttons of earthly security in a big way. So pray!
It is important to say that Big Valley Grace has been a true home and family for us– especially that supremely special group of people on Sunday nights. I have found the grace of God was not without effect on my life (I Cor. 15:9-10) through the work of Jesus in this place; in Spiritual formation, Jon Byron, Spiritual Direction, the Journey, & Celebrate Recovery. I have seen God raise me from relationship death (a valley) to new life in Christ, and new joys with Michelle. And lately God has given me a heart for a smaller church context. Big Valley has almost felt too big for us. God has truly let me discover the full meaning of our church name.
My family is excited in this venture, but we are also nervous. We are happy and sad, curious and fearful. And all together my family are my favorite people in the world. I can’t imagine making it through a transition like this without them.
We appreciate all the prayers you can give us. Pray that we continue to believe the hope of the gospel and the security of Jesus first and foremost. Pray that we find jobs. Pray that we coach and encourage our children well during this season of life. Pray that out kids adjust to new schools, and that our move goes safe. Basically, just when you remember us, pray!
We look forward to the times with friends from now until the end of May. Please don’t say good-bye to me yet. I want to seriously pour the best of me in the rest of the time we have left. It will be special moments of friendship, teaching, and definitely a good laugh or two.
So that’s the news. If you’d like, please contact me on Facebook if you have any questions (or the contact page via this blog!) I want to answer questions you may have about my future steps– especially ones you may not fully understand. God is good, and I can’t wait to tell you how I see Him preparing for our future!
Shawn Stutz & Family
** Thanks for reading this… if you catch a spelling error or grammar issue, please let me know. It was after midnight when this was written.
Here is a wild thought that I stumbled on recently. It’s nothing original to me, but rather a collection of reading and thinking. So here is the thought:
