“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way…” Psalm 37:23
Dear Friends,
I love this verse: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in His way.” What one of us doesn’t want the Lord to direct our steps? And the fact that He delights in giving us direction is an amazing promise.
As I approach the big 70th birthday, I have sought the Lord as to what He would have me do for the next ten years. I have also sought wise counsel from others. As I have sensed the calling of the Lord, plus the counsel I have received, it all leads to being more involved directly in people’s lives. I will spend more time in evangelism, discipleship, counseling, leading small groups and thus broaden the one on one ministry God has gifted me to do.
In light of God’s calling, I will be retiring as executive director of YBL Ministries and associate pastor at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. The past 38 years as director of YBL Ministries have been some of the most rewarding of my life. I leave the ministry in great hands under the leadership of Rob Genin for YBL and August Griffith for Women’s Business Leaders. Retiring from my duties at Briarwood will leave the time for more direct ministry. My heart is to help men Finish Well!
Does that mean I am completely retiring from ministry? Not on your life. I am in good health, I have a very supportive family, and I am trusting God for even greater opportunities and blessings. Please pray as I seek God’s guidance on how to maximize my impact and influence for the Kingdom.
What is the plan? I am going to take two months to refresh, refocus, take a breath, and be more available to my wife and family. At the end of two months, I will place myself under the Board of Center for Executive Leadership for accountability and guidance.
Will I need to raise support? Yes, I will. I will basically be starting over as I have an account with the Center for Executive Leadership. I would like to ask you to consider joining my prayer support team as well as my financial support team as I begin this new phase of ministry. I am including the link for giving to my ministry at CFEL: https://thecenterbham.org/donate. Thank you for prayerfully considering joining me.
Am I excited? You bet I am! This is truly a step of faith and it has been confirmed to me over and over again. As I seek to Finish Well, this is my opportunity to have my time spent directly in the lives of men in the community and see Birmingham reached for Christ.
I am so grateful for your continued prayer and support over these last 38 years, and I am grateful in advance for you joining me in these next steps. I am a blessed man!
On to new horizons for God’s glory,
Phil