“And who knows but that you have come to your…position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NIV)
Throughout my life, there have been numerous times that Mordecai’s words here to Esther have seemed applicable to my own life. As a quick summary, Esther was elevated to the position of queen, leading with King Xerxes who “ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush” (Esther 1:1). Esther became aware that one of Xerxes’ noblemen named Haman plotted to “destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes” (Esther 3:6). Through a series of events, because of her position as queen, Esther was able to save her people, the Jews, from Haman’s plot.
The phrase that has so often resonated with my own life is, “for such a time as this.” When I reflect on my vocational journey, I have many examples of where I feel God called me to a particular place at just the right time. Oftentimes, this “right place, right time” feeling is twofold, my gifting and skills were exactly what was needed for that season in the organization, but similarly the organization was just what I and my family needed at that time.
These past five years at Spokane First have been such an experience. When I accepted Pastor Bill’s invitation to join his team as Youth Pastor, there were those who asked me, “Isn’t that like a demotion?” They were mostly kidding, but there was some seriousness to their quip. However, I and Jill were sure it was God’s leading. Before shifting to music ministry these last couple of months, it was a privilege to be my own kids’ youth pastor and to walk with so many families through these pivotal teen years.
However, when Pastor Bill’s cancer diagnosis came, I recognized even more fully what God had been orchestrating in calling me to SFNAZ in 2017. I was glad that with my background and experience, as Bill and Danene walked Bill’s cancer journey, I could help carry the ministry load. And Pastor Hope and I have made a good team as we’ve partnered together.
Yet, when Pastor Bill resigned, Jill and I began to seek God’s leading on what was next for us. Was God calling us to have a role in the future leadership of SFNAZ or was God preparing us for something else? After much prayer and conversation, I have accepted a full-time chaplain position at Sacred Heart hospital here in Spokane. I will start on June 6th.
Some of you know, I served about a year as a chaplain while we lived in Kansas City, but at the time God opened unexpected doors for us to go in a different direction. I have always wondered if God would lead me back to chaplain service at some point, and we sense that time is now.
Between cancer and COVID, it has been a memorable journey these last five years. However, through it, all God’s faithfulness has been seen and felt. I want to personally thank Pastor John Morden for his leadership through the TIPS process. He has been a joy to work with and incredibly supportive to me through it all. I believe he has been the right person to help us prepare for our next pastor.
The current plan is for our family to continue participating in the life of SFNAZ. However, my new work responsibilities will require me to step out of all my leadership roles. I am also entering the final crunch to finish my doctoral studies at Gonzaga which will compete for my time.
I am excited to see the future unfold that God has for SFNAZ. I truly believe we are on the right trajectory to maximize our impact for Christ in the surrounding community.
I invite your prayers for me and my family in this transition. Not only will I be starting at Sacred Heart, but our daughter Sadie will be starting this fall at Point Loma Nazarene University. Lots of changes, but with change comes the opportunity for growth.
I’m glad this isn’t really a letter saying “goodbye”, but rather “see you around.” I leave you with this blessing.
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
May the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace. (Deut 6:24-26)
-Pastor Shawn