ABSTRACT
This is MY congregation! I founded it, created it, drew people together to create this community. Everything that is of value here has my imprint; its values and mission came from me. I even named it. But time has passed and my wife reminds me more and more each day just how much we (not just me!) have given of ourselves and the sacrifices we have made. Don’t get me wrong, she shares my belief in God and is dedicated to my calling; but she is right. Unless I retire from active work in the congregation, our last years will slip away from us before we know it. We do deserve a rest and to come first for once; but I do feel both sad and guilty about leaving. This congregation is the child we never had; I birthed it, suckled it, and raised it to become a strong independent being. I am proud of the congregation and all those who have worked alongside me to bring it to this stage; but I am afraid at the thought of leaving. What if they can’t carry on without me? What if they can?
