Ernest Smith

Have you ever had one of those days where you weren’t looking forward to a certain event that was scheduled?  Maybe it was the first day of school or the last day of a job you loved or an event you said yes to that you really didn’t want to attend.

I think we have all had this experience at some point in our life.  For me, I had this experience yesterday.

I woke up yesterday morning and one of my immediate thoughts was “Tonight is the last theWell that I am speaking at.”  For those who don’t know, theWell is our college/20 somethings ministry I helped create 5 years ago.  It has been the primary ministry that I have invested in “hands-on” over the last 5 years.

When my thoughts went to theWell yesterday morning, I was immediately hit with sadness.  I knew this day was coming for a while.  Ever since we told God we would plant a church, I knew this day would come, but now here it is.

This was a day I was dreading.  To say goodbye to so many people.  To say goodbye to a ministry that my family and I have poured so much into.  To say goodbye to a community that I knew had my back.  It was a day I didn’t want to see come, but one that I knew was inevitable.

Yesterday, as I processed all the emotions, all the memories, all the future hope for theWell, I came to the conclusion that three things will help make this day be one that is not just bearable, but fruitful.  Maybe these three things will encourage you when you are in a time of transition…

First,

Thank God for the Opportunity

If it wasn’t for God’s grace and mercy, I would have never had the opportunity to be a part of leading something like theWell.  If it wasn’t for Seacoast trusting me and giving me the chance with the ministry, then I would never have seen this community grow and reach so many.

Nothing I have been a part of is because I am unique or super gifted.  Everything I have been blessed to be a part of is because God has allowed me the opportunity, so I must thank Him for that.

Second,

Celebrate the People Who Made it Happen

Without other people in my life and in the ministry, there is no chance that theWell is anything at all.  Without the men, like Pastors Greg Surratt, Geoff Surratt and Mac Lake, who have mentored me I would not be a leader that anyone would follow.  Without the staff and volunteers who helped start theWell, like Chris and Abbi Russo, Mel Alm, Garrett and Lauren Abel, Aubrey Atkinson, Frank and Abbey Robertson and sooo many others, there would be no foundation for us to have built upon.  Without the staff and volunteers who labor every week, like Jonny and Janna Sharp, Wes and Lia Stichweh, Brandon and Brittany Lake, Ashley Wiebers, Glenn (Larry) Coltharp and the list could go on and on, there would be nothing for people to come to on Monday night, no small groups for people to grow in their faith through, no mission trips to take part in, no parties to build community.  And, without the support of my wife and the sacrifice of my family, I would not have been able to lead in the way that God called me to.

From the depth of my heart…THANK YOU to everyone who has made theWell a ministry that has sought to Love God, Love Others and Be the Change.

Lastly,

Let Truth Be Your Goodbye

When I was contemplating and praying about what that last message would be about, I sensed that I simply needed to leave everyone with some truths that will challenge everyone to keep seeking the Lord and living for Him.

I could have simply said good bye by talking about all the good things that God has done. I could have talked about how much more there is to do.  What I wanted to share were some simple truths that allowed the ministry to bring glory to God and help create change in others.  Allowing truth to be your goodbye allows others to focus on what’s truly important…not the person leaving, but the One who remains.

What would you add to this list to help someone make a transition?