So Long, Farewell… and Thank You

June, 2005

by: Jeff Jones

It’s true! It’s almost hard to believe, but I’m really leaving. When I first came down here from “Ideeho” with Jack, I thought I’d be at Calvary forever and I thought I’d never want to leave the Junior High Ministry. But, contrary to my own expectations, the Lord has changed things, especially the desires in my heart. Through prayer, counsel, and various experiences over the past five years, the Lord has shown me very clearly that I should be pursuing a more academic career path, rather than Pastoral Ministry. This basically means that I will eventually be looking to teach in a Christian school, college, or seminary—perhaps locally or perhaps overseas, but I’m open to wherever the Lord leads.

In the meantime, I have also found out that I will be leaving the Junior High Ministry sooner than planned. I have accepted a resident supervisor position for the Aspen Music Festival and School, which is kind of like a summer camp for musicians in Aspen, Colorado. It starts June 10 and will go until the end of August. I do not know how much "suffering for Jesus" I will experience in Aspen, but I do know there will be plenty of opportunities to build relationships with non-believers and speak to them of Christ. Please pray for me in this if you think of it.

I do have to say, though, the past five years here at Calvary have been a major blessing. I witnessed the church triumphantly come through the difficult times related to the arrival of our current pastor. I have seen many individuals and families saved, transformed, and sanctified by God’s Spirit and through His Word. I have met many wonderful, godly people and established plenty of life-long friendships. I have experienced the kindness and hospitality from too many people to count, especially when this pathetic single guy was given a free meal. I was financially provided for by the church in order to free me up to lead the Junior High Ministry and finish seminary. Also, I have had the privilege of working with a uniquely gifted Pastoral Staff and Elder Board, who modeled boldness, compassion, hospitality, zeal, devotion to Christ, the confidence in the Scriptures, etc. I would consider myself a fool to leave all this, if I did not think the Lord was re-directing me. So, all I can really say is thank you. I am grateful to so many of you, but I am most grateful to the Lord who has worked within me and brought the necessary people into my life to shape me and direct me for his kingdom and glory. What a great God and Savior we serve.

“May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.” (2 Thess 2:16-17)

“The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thess 3:16b)

P.S. Take care of the junior highers…