By now, the word is getting out that Laura and I, along with Bradley and Lauren, will be leaving Mount Paran North soon. A letter was sent recently regarding our recent appointment as Senior Pastor of Canton Temple of Praise in Canton, OH—a congregation of 400+ that has a rich history and an even brighter future. However, I wanted to take this opportunity to more fully answer any lingering questions regarding our future.
First, we are leaving because we have felt for some time that God was about to change our ministry and take us back into the role of Senior Pastor. Before coming to North, we had the privilege of serving as Senior Pastor in a suburb of Jackson, MS for 5 years. Even when we came to North, we had a sense that one day God would lead us back into the role of Senior Pastor—we just had no idea of when that would be.
Secondly, I love to preach. To be able to stand before a group of people on Sunday morning and preach/teach the Word of God is a privilege that I cannot even describe. I desperately long to once again preach on Sundays to a congregation that God has called us to lead. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Mark Walker for allowing me the chance to preach to the wonderful people of Mount Paran North on a regular basis—more so than he has ever done. It is something that I will always treasure.
Thirdly, I desire to lead a church again in the role that only a Senior Pastor can lead. Pastor Mark has trusted me with leadership roles and authority at North in unprecedented ways, and yet the role I believe God has designed for Laura and me is that of Senior Pastor.
Just to make sure there is no misunderstanding, I want to make clear that we are not leaving because we are unhappy or disenchanted. I consider the 5½ years spent at Mount Paran North some of the greatest in my life. I have enjoyed the privilege of working with a great leader and even better friend in Mark Walker. I have worked with some of the brightest minds and kingdom hearts in the pastors and people of North. We are leaving because we believe that God is calling us to leave. If God is calling us to leave, then we believe that something great awaits us. If we know that God is asking us to follow His calling, then we simply must obey. How could I ever stand up and teach with any integrity that people should trust and follow God if I will not do so?
Laura and I love the people of Mount Paran North so much and consider you part of our family. We leave with a strange mixture of excitement, sadness and hope for the futures of both Canton Temple and Mount Paran North. We will not be strangers and hope to visit with you in the future. We pray nothing but God’s blessings upon North and believe that great things are in the future for you.
Pastor Kirk
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