As I write this blog, my intent is in no way to bash my past employer, Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle or to criticize any member of my family. My 22 years on staff at SGT were amazing and I continue to pray for the pastoral staff and the leadership there. What happened 5 1/2 years ago is over with and done. Thank you.
As I mentioned in my previous blog, I knew God had something big in store for me. I just didn't know when or where. In 2013, I started feeling very bored. I had been doing the same ministry for 22 years and wanted a new challenge. I started writing curriculum for our children's church that we called Kidz for Christ and also enjoyed making videos each week for the kids. Then the worst day of my life occurred. Let's just say that my senior pastor and I had a huge misunderstanding that spiraled out of control. I do not wish to share what was said to me in his office on April 11, 2013 nor do I wish to dwell on it. What happened 5 1/2 years ago is over with and done. What I will say is that I went into complete shock, I walked home to my house that was near the church and almost threw up in my kitchen sink. Deep down in my heart I knew my career at SGT was coming to an end. It was not the way I wanted it to end. I always dreamed about leaving SGT on a high note. Maybe even being able to preach my final sermon to the congregation. It turned out instead to be 3 challenging months. I truthfully don't remember very much that happened. Not only was I in shock, I became deeply depressed. I didn't sleep much and when I did I was on the couch watching TV. I wanted to laugh but I couldn't. I even went on www.churchstaffing.com and looked for a position. The very first church I contacted called me! I thought "Wow! This is going to be easy!" Little did I know I would experience ALOT of rejection from churches for 2 years!
My very last time ministering was at the Smithtown Christian School Chapel service. My favorite activity!! I spoke at Grandparents Day in the sanctuary. Little did I know it would be the very last time I would do anything at the church. I was completely shut down by the leadership and again I don't remember a lot that occurred between April - July 2013. I remember a few meetings, I remember building a float for the Memorial Day, I remember my van breaking down on Brooksite Drive, and I remember packing up my office and house and having a yard sale. And I remember moving into my in laws house thinking it would only be temporary. It was not! My world was caving in. Everything was a blur. I thought my life was over...but it wasn't!
My last month at SGT felt like forever. My last Sunday there was July 21st. I shared with the congregation that my family and I were seeking what God had for us next, That was not the truth. I had no clue where we were going and put a phony smile on my face. I'm sure the pain I had inside was hidden for a few but obvious to some. The church gave my family and I a going away party that was scheduled in a small fellowship room. Because of the enormous turnout and support, the party was moved to a bigger room. All I remember about that party was the first 3 people walked up to me as I stood greeting people and said, "Something is not right here." I put that phony smile back on my face and said "No, everything is fine." I may have been a great actor with Grandpa Lou but that day I wasn't. Even a guy I went to High School with came and asked repeatedly "Where are you going, Dave." I had to walk away not only because I was annoyed, but because I had to hide my pain. I didn't know where I was going.
I do remember driving away after that party and feeling a heavy weight fall off me. I still shudder as I think about those 3 challenging months I had back in 2013. Little did I know then that God was about to take me on a huge adventure that I am still on 5 1/2 years later that I am happy to share with you.
SEE YOU NEXT TIME
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