A Hard Place Where God Is At Work

God is at work.
That is very true for us, but that doesn’t mean that it is easy. God is at work, but many times where He works there is hard and difficult things we need to look at and go through. Nevertheless, He is at work and that is good.
 
One particular place that is hard and difficult for us as a church right now is with our pastoral staff. Me, the elders, and Jeremy Martin have agreed that Jeremy needs to step away from ministry at this time. It saddens me to say but Jeremy Martin has resigned as associate pastor. Let me be as clear as I can be, he is not under church discipline and there has not been any egregious sin (like adultery or any like-sin) that has gone on. This is more of an area of Jeremy not having cared well for his private world and that has affected his public ministry. So in accordance with 1 Timothy 3:4-5 and the character traits laid out for us, he has agreed to step aside.
 
Here is what he communicated last Sunday at the end of each service:
 
“Good morning church,
 
It has become evident in multiple ways that somewhere during my time as the Associate Pastor of Summit Ridge Church, I had inadvertently taken all the pressures of ministry and life and turned them inward on myself to the point that had affected all aspects of my life. After many discussions with Pastor John, we believe that I no longer meet the qualifications as a Pastor/Elder as described in 1 Timothy 3. In agreement with John and the rest of the elders I have submitted my resignation, effective immediately from all ministry responsibilities at Summit Ridge Church. I have been in counseling and will continue. Leiisa and I want to continue to attend Summit Ridge and worship alongside all of you, who we have come to love so much. I do ask that you give us space to heal and to give the Holy Spirit space to draw us deeper into Him. We covet your prayers. I want to unequivocally say without a doubt, Pastor John and the elders have been supportive and walking alongside me through this. I don't know what God has for me and Leiisa in the future, but I do know the one who does. I want to thank you all in advance for your compassion, grace, and your prayers.
 
Thank you,
Jeremy Martin”
 
 
So we want to pray for Jeremy and Leiisa in this transitionary time. We understand the surprise and sadness this causes us all, but we cannot forget that God is at work.
 
In moving forward as a church, we have hired a company to help us locate our next associate pastor. As more details become clear in this we will let everyone know. So please also pray for us in this endeavor.
 
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the elders with any questions, we will be happy to help.
 
God is at work. We will watch and pray and see how He leads us all. Thank you for praying and caring.


Nothing On My Own,