Getting Rid of Good People

Milford First Brethren, the church I’ve pastored for 12 years, is not a large church by any metric. We love each other, love our community, and generally try NOT to run people off.

Recently we had to do just that. Ultimately though it is an occasion to celebrate. Having said that, maybe I should elaborate a little further. 

Duane and Lori Harmon have been faithful members of our church for a while now. Even before attending our church, one ministry passion they had was routinely serving on work team projects at Riverside Christian School in Lost Creek Kentucky. Riverside was created in 1905 by The Brethren Church as an educational ministry to those living in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky. The school seeks to be a beacon of light in an area ravaged by poverty and economic downturns.

Earlier this year, the Harmon’s felt the Lord directing them to a bigger commitment to serving the school. Apparently, a sermon I preached on Abraham following God into the unknown was the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’. Shortly after, they told me and announced to our church that they were moving down to Kentucky for the school year. Duane, a retired licensed plumber and farmer, is focused on building and grounds projects while Lori is working in family and community relations position to better assist the families of the students.

So given the obvious move of the Spirit, we had no choice but to “get rid of them”. At the end of August, we officially said goodbye, praying for and commissioning them for this work. I hate to see good people leave, but I am so thankful for the reason for their departure.

God has already been providing for them, from a friend’s semi-truck trailer to carry all of Duane’s equipment in one trip, to the work being accomplished, and of course the friendships that are being made.

In the middle of all of this, I had to remind myself and our congregation, we are not “losing” the Harmon’s. We are sending them off to serve as our ministry hands and feet. I would not normally say this, but it fills my heart with joy to get rid of these good people.