God's Positioning System (GPS)

The older you get in life the more you realize that the only constant is change. That’s exactly the reason I find Malachi 3:6 (NLT) so reassuring. It quotes, “I am the Lord, and I do not change.” It makes me feel in control in an out-of-control world to know I serve a God that is ageless, all-powerful, and all-knowing. He is everything that I am so lacking in. I can fully trust His wisdom even when it doesn’t completely make sense to me.

I have always believed God’s leading in someone’s life is unique to that person. (God’s voice doesn’t always manifest itself in the same way to everyone.) Often times for one person to obey (what they know is God’s will for them) may mean that others are affected in a rather adverse and confusing manner.

Though you may be happy for this positive life decision in this friend’s life, it’s only human to wonder how you’ll make it through safely to the other side (with as little emotional pain as possible).

This past Sunday,  I had an example of this in my life with an announcement at church (and this e-mail that followed soon after). I’m wondering how this would impact my family (and this church).

To our Eastside Community Church Family:

 This morning, Sunday, January 3, 2016, we made a special announcement during the service. We would like to share this with you, especially if you were not present today and to communicate once again to those who were.

It has been one of the greatest joys of our lives to pastor Eastside Community Church. Along with our family, we have counted it an honor and privilege to serve this precious congregation and community.

 Over the past several months, the Lord has prompted us to follow His leading in new ways. As a family, we have prayed and asked God to lead us in every way. From the time we first met Jesus, we committed to Him that we would go and do anything He would ask of us.

Over this past year, we have sensed His timing for change and in recent weeks have been given an opportunity to serve the Lord in a Teen Challenge Center in Utah. 

This decision has been one of the most difficult ones we have ever made. It is not easy to leave the incredible community of ECC. 

For the past four years, since the inception of ECC, the driving purpose has been to advance the Kingdom of God. We are amazed at how the Lord has trusted ECC to reach the lost and broken, and to release believers into their God-given potential!

What an honor to serve the Creator of the Universe and proclaim the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ! Our prayer and continued prayer for ECC, is that God will be glorified and His Name will be made known in this city and around the world.

Our last Sunday at ECC will be January 17, 2016. This is as you can imagine, a time of bittersweet emotions. We will greatly miss each one of you and yet, we also look forward to what God has in store for ECC and for our family.

We love you,

Kelly & Greg Preston

P.S. We have all been greatly blessed by the nourishment of God’s Word provided by Pastor Greg and Kelly these past almost 4 years now.  We feel a great loss as the date of their departure nears.  We will continue to pray that God protect and guide them in their new endeavors.

On behalf of the ECC Board we want to assure you it is our goal to continue the journey of planting ECC is the hearts of our community.  We will be working closely with the Ohio Ministry Network during this time of transition.   

 We are seeking the guidance of the Ohio Ministry Network in obtaining the leadership of an interim pastor as well as the

search for a new pastor.

We ask that you continue to partner with us in prayer that God will continue to use all of us to see the fulfillment of the vision he laid on our hearts 4 years ago.

All the Board members are making themselves available should you have any questions or concerns. We have included our contact information below. Thank you Pastors Greg and Kelly! 

ECC Board of Directors

Though I wish the Preston family all the best in this new endeavor, I must always remember my relationship with God is not dependent on a pastor, denomination, or church. (These can all fail you because a fallible human being is behind them. Your Heavenly Father is always there for you 24/7. He will never let you down.)

If the health of your spiritual connection to the Almighty is dependent on what others think about you and diligently obeying  religious traditions (like regular church attendance), than unfortunately I believe your faith is considerably weak (and won’t stand firm in the midst of life’s trials).

“How does God view me?” is the most important question to ask you. The Heavenly Father is always more concerned about your faith (heart attitude) rather than the outward appearance, which may not always be an accurate reflection of the real person (Matthew 17:20).

Proverbs 3:5, 6 (MSG) is what I wish for you, me, (and my family during this challenging time). Cling to this verse emotionally as your buoy in the raging sea of life. It will keep you from drowning.

 “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.”