Recently, I took a path I would never have considered. City Union Mission is looking for a new CEO. When people would ask me if I was interested, I would say, "I have a CEO job at a non-profit!" Never had another thought about it.
In late April, I attended the Faith Incorporated Summit in Olathe. One of the great speakers at the conference was Alex Kendrick, who talked about his journey to making movies like "Facing the Giants" and so many others. One thing Alex said that stuck out to me and has come to my mind several times was "Sometimes God allows a dream to die, so he can resurrect it later." Put your finger right there, because we will be back.
The very next week, I was at a gathering and was talking to someone about the Faith Incorporated Summit and what Alex had said. As we talked, I learned that Robert, one of the leaders of the Barnabas Group, who was hosting our gathering, was on the board at City Union Mission (CUM). Yes, he said what others had suggested: I apply for the CEO position, and I gave my standard answer, "I have a CEO job now."
I told my wife Tammy that night, as we were heading off to bed, about the conversation, and that the CEO thing had been brought up again. At about 3 AM, I woke up. Over the next three or more hours, I had a long conversation with myself and the Lord about all the reasons I could not be CEO. I finally said, "If this is what you want, then you have to show me the way."
That morning (the day after meeting Robert from the Mission), I had another training event with Barnabas Group, which brother Robert was in charge of hosting. Now, let me say that I put the sleepless night out of my mind and was ready for this seminar.
When I walked in with my associate, Robert looked right at me and said, "How did you sleep last night?" 🤯 Yep, that actually happened. How on earth did the guy who asked me about the CEO position and is on the board know I was awake, wrestling with the Lord of that very thing? Before we left, I told Robert to put my name in as interested. I would leave it up to God.
Over the next couple of months, I would see Robert and get an update on the process. One day in late September, a friend who works at a different shelter texted me. It was a link. When I clicked it, I arrived at a page asking for names to be considered for the CEO position at CUM. This just kept coming back up.
Yes, I submitted my resume and cover letter to the headhunters via email, and then waited in silence for a few more weeks. Since then, I have had two phone interviews and shared the story of that encounter with God. Why am I applying for this? Obedience! I cannot tell people to walk by faith and not be an example.
Between two of the interviews, I had breakfast with a pastor friend who has served on boards and been involved with searches himself. He knew I was struggling with what this would mean for my ministry if I were called to be the next CEO of CUM. He said, the test God is putting you through is ownership. ??
That is right, ownership. Do you have the faith and trust that he might move you from what you are doing at your church to another project, and trust Him to replace you for the next phase where you are? Yep, right then that quote from Alex Kendrick came flooding back into my mind. This has been a test of faithfulness and obedience as I seek His will in this moment in time.
I should hear something soon, as it has been presented to the board for their selection. At the end of the day, I am okay with whatever happens, because I know He is in charge, I just do what He has planned for my life and ministry.
Friends, keep that faith and press on toward the goal in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Tigger
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