July 1, 2021
Directors, Trustees, and Members of Community Bible:
For the past nineteen years it has been my honor to serve as one of your pastors. Over these two decades God has been overwhelmingly good to us as we have sought to know and serve Him. He has allowed us a front seat as he has transformed hundreds of lives in the River Valley and beyond. Who would’ve guessed on that first Sunday that the few hundred of us gathered in the Mall would go on to see all that the Lord has done?
We have found life in Jesus. We have grown through preaching, music, small groups, and friendship. He has shown his faithfulness in every circumstance and we have been recipients of His grace more times than we can count.
We have loved our neighbors. Through tragedies, successes, grief, floods, and heartbreaks we have shared with others what God has given to us. We have clothed, fed, loved, and supported our communities sometimes with our name out-front and many times in ways that no one will ever know.
We have helped others do the same. We have been the ones God chose to use to transform, baptize, disciple, and encourage others as they have come to serve God. Many of those people continue to worship alongside of us while many others have spread across the country and globe to make Jesus known in different locations.
Through it all God has been faithful, and you have been generous, kind, and supportive of me, Jenny, Ella and Silas.
From day one, we returned to Fort Smith with the idea that we would stay here for the entirety of our ministry. I often said, “it would take a rare opportunity for me to ever leave.” But now, we believe that opportunity has been presented.
Beginning September 1, I will become the Married Life Pastor at Bayside Church in the greater Sacramento, CA area. This new position is being created with the hopes of transforming marriages not just at Bayside, but across the country. We hope to build a local ministry with a national impact.
Obviously, this move requires me to resign as the Lead Pastor at Community Bible. I look forward to preaching at the Fort Smith Campus on July 11, 25, and then my last day on August 1. Unfortunately, because of other commitments, I will not be able to visit Van Buren, Greenwood, or North Fort Smith on one of my remaining Sundays.
It has been an honor to spend the last nineteen years with you and a particular privilege to be your Lead Pastor for the last thirteen years. I believe the next leader can build on the work we have done and ensure that the most meaningful days of ministry for Community Bible are still in the future.
God Bless,
Kevin
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I’m sad we are losing Kevin, he has been such a rock for my family and the Community Bible family. Kevin has amazing way to share his messages with us. He has touched our lives in so many unimageable ways and will make another impact in his new position. Kevin thank you so much for all you have done for your “hometown”.
This is not farewell, but see you down the roads of life.
Congratulations on this great opportunity. We still hope to see your 28day Challenge in February!
Kevin: Though I have never been a Community Bible member, I have known (of) you for over twenty years, followed your blogs, read some of your writings, and have determined in my heart that you are indeed n=called of GOD for his work. In that regard, I am confident that your new calling will also be greatly blessed, both for you and your family, and most certainly for furthering God’s kingdom. That is my prayer.
God Bless And Be You And Your Family!!!!
As All Your Lives Will Change In So Many Ways!!!!
It Will Be An Adventure In Your New State And Life!!!!
I Wish You And All Your Family All The Best In Every Way Possible!!!!
With All My Love And Best Wishes
You did not fail your congregation, they failed you and God.
Hi Kevin. I am a Christian woman who has been in full time ministry for 35 yrs, retiring as a pastor to women just this past summer. I’ve read a few of your blogs and just listened today to your “interview” with Ruth Graham on The Daily. I’ve also experienced the disorienting effect Trumpism has had on the Church and in many of my friendships. This reality unfortunately continues.
I want to say thank you for speaking the Truth- which will most always cause discomfort and squirming.
Thanks for voicing that character and integrity in leadership matters. That Black Lives Matter- along with the poor and anyone or any group that is marginalized- because they matter to Jesus.
By the way, I went to high school with Tom Hanks in California- and can attest to his character and his professed faith in Christ- (as a high school student) and that the thought of him leading a celebrity sex trafficking ring is preposterous!
Thanks for your courage and willingness to put yourself out there. If I ever write a book, it will be titled, “I love the Church- I hate the Church.” Maybe we could write it together?! May the Lord use you and me to contribute to His Church being/becoming the hope of the world again. Blessings to you and your family at Bayside!
Because of a nephew in Canada who has been influenced by your teaching, I’ve been checking out your blog. Wishing you God’s blessings!