((This was made official this morning. I have pushed as hard and far as my mind, body, and spirit can healthily go before crashing. In the days and months ahead I will update you here on how my family is doing and the direction we’re moving. Thank you for your love and prayers.))
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Hello,
After much prayer and many discussions with my family, friends, and mentors, I have decided that it is time for me to transition out of my role as Lead Pastor of Courageous Church. These three years have been the most meaningful, fulfilling, exciting years of my life and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
I thank God that I am not stepping down in shame or scandal, but it is clear that God is calling Rai and I to take our family in a direction that is just significantly different than what most in the church are asking for. Over the past 6 months I have taken Courageous Church down a difficult, counter-cultural road in an earnest attempt at building true disciples. It’s been rough. All but a few families are now yearning to go back to a traditional Sunday focused system and I am sure that I am not the person to lead you there.
I know this will cause many mixed emotions, but just know that I am making this decision out of a sincere desire to never lead you in a direction that I don’t actually believe in myself. Because our next All Church Gathering is nearly 2 weeks away, I wanted to communicate this to you now, but I am available to talk and even meet with you before then if you’d like. I still love God and the church, but I sense God calling my family to serve Him in other places around the world and to be a bright light that points people to Jesus.
Our Assistant Pastor, Broderick Santiago, will serve as Interim Pastor and has my full support and that of our board until a permanent decision is made. We have a strong board, great leaders, and solid ministry teams. I wholeheartedly believe that Courageous Church can become better than ever as these teams follow God.
Your friendship, faithfulness, and support have been amazing and I want you to know that I love you, I am thankful for every moment we shared together, and I will always be rooting for your success. Please pray for me, Rai, and the kids. We are not sure of all that is ahead but we know that we want to grow closer together and more dedicated to God.
With much love.
Be Courageous!
Shaun