Tonight was difficult for me. If you have ever been in my youth group please read the following letter that was delivered tonight during youth worship.

One time during one of my lessons Taylor described a characteristic of youth culture as being "uncomfortable in serious conversations." I thought this was an insightful comment. Sometimes we all feel awkward in those kinds of conversations. However, they are also sometimes necessary. Tonight is one of those conversations.

I ask you tonight to listen to all of what I have to say. At some point it may be easy to quit listening, but I want you to hang in there with me and listen to me from within. I have stood before you on many occasions and in many situations. I have talked to you about many topics, but this is truly one of the most difficult things I have ever had to say.

On Sunday morning I resigned as the youth minister at the Norway Avenue Church of Christ. Dana, Brendan and I will be moving to Memphis to begin work with another church.

Many hours of prayer and consideration have gone into this decision. It was made for a variety reasons, not all of which I can go into in this setting. I do want to let you know a few. In Memphis we will be less than two hours from both my parents and Dana's. As our parents and grandparents get older, it is becoming more important to us to be closer. We will also be working with the church where Grace, Austin, and Marion attend (Brendan's cousins). As difficult is this is for me to talk about, Dana and I have been unable to have another child, and these family relationships have become more and more important to us. There are other reasons as well. I feel that Dana and I will be leaving a great situation to work in another great situation. As time goes on I will answer any questions you have about all of this.

Now, this is the part I REALLY want you to listen to!

As we began this ministry over seven years ago I never imagined how much this group would change me. The group of young men and young women sitting in this room has made a huge difference in my life. As I watched you walk in tonight, I thought of all that I have learned from watching you. I have learned authentic worship. I have learned what it means to sacrifice on the mission field. I have learned about friendship, and I have learned how to follow God with emotional content. I have learned all of this from you. As I look back on my time here, it occurs to me that I could not hope to have taught you as much as you have taught me, and for that I am truly grateful. Thank you.

I also want to thank Bill who has given be sound guidance since day one, and the youth volunteers for making this ministry work. It is because of them that I feel the best days of this youth group are ahead, not behind. This group and this ministry has never been about me, and I am excited to see what God has in store for you.

We will not be leaving Huntington for at least a couple of months, as we try to sell our house and prepare the way for the move. Until then we will be full steam ahead for the Superbowl Party, Winterfest, the Ski Trip and other winter activities.

During the transition time I ask for your prayers, your patience, and your friendship. I plan on continuing that friendship for as long as you will allow. I am still close to many of the students with which I worked in Florida, and I see no reason for that to change with you after this transition.

Also, know that I am leaving a big piece of my heart in Huntington. I love you very much.

I know that there are some college students that are finding this out by reading this blog. I wish I could have told you in person.

I have loved my time at Norway Avenue - thank you to all of the students that have let me be a part of your lives. It has been my honor.