Sunday, December 17, 2006

Sacked

Well, yesterday morning I was told that the men of the congregation no longer want me to preach in Lexington. In Churches of Christ there's no denominational structure above the congregational level, so when the congregation wants you out, you're out. It's been quite a ride these past eighteen months. Please pray for my family as we wait upon the Lord and seek his will for the next step.

51 Comments:

Blogger Weekend Fisher said...

I'm really sorry to hear that. I wish you all the best.

7:25 PM, December 17, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Milton, sorry bro. What's the story, are you presently preaching at more than one congregation? When I think of you, I'll pray for you.

7:41 PM, December 17, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am very sorry to hear that. I will certainly be praying for you. Even though we haven't officially met, I would love to be kept informed of what's going on with your situation. You will be in my prayers. God bless you.

8:38 PM, December 17, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Milton - add me to the list of those who will be praying for you during this time.

9:23 PM, December 17, 2006  
Blogger John Schroeder said...

Blessings and prayers for you Milt...

11:30 PM, December 17, 2006  
Blogger dan said...

Peace and blessings from me as well.

6:10 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Kim said...

I'm so sorry, Milton! Not the best time of year.

I'll be praying for you.

7:30 AM, December 18, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am praying that God will place you in the situation that God wants you in. God bless and keep looking toward God's future...

8:12 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Unknown said...

Milton:

I'm sorry to hear your news. Times like these sometimes cause us to ask all the wrong questions and arrive at all the wrong answers. Remember what you know to be true, both temporally and eternally.

I will also pray for you as often as God brings you to mind - which is at least once a day when I visit your site.

8:17 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Justin, presently I'm not preaching at any congregation. But God is good, and we're doing OK spiritually and emotionally. Thanks for praying.

9:11 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thank you, Mr. Cardot. As far as my situation goes right now, my family is seeking the Lord's will for the next step in our Kingdom service.

9:13 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

David, John, and Dan: Thanks, brothers.

9:14 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Kim: Thanks, sister.

9:15 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thanks, Sherman.

9:15 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thanks, Mike. Actually, Carolyn and I are very much at peace with what's happened. We are sad to be sacked but confident that we have served God faithfully as long as we were with the Lexington congregation. Peace.

9:16 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thank you, Randy.

9:17 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Royce Ogle said...

Milton,

I too will mentiong you to the Father and ask His blessing on you and your family.

Very thoughtful of the folks to let you go right before Christmas huh?

I am sure God has something better.

Grace and peace,
Royce Ogle

9:37 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Cruv said...

Milton,

You are definitely in my prayers.

Grace and peace,

~Dave

11:55 AM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Matthew Self said...

This just means God's got an exciting new plan for you, Milton.

I pray God gives you the patience and clarity of mind to transition to wherever He's taking you. I know when I've been in that situation, there aren't any "Footprints" in the sand. It's usually one deep set of footprints followed by long trenches where he was dragging me against my will. It's always amazing how much better it is when I get to the end of that move. ;)

God bless, bro!

12:10 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

I think so too, Royce. Thanks for naming me in your prayers.

1:14 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thanks, Dave. Peace.

1:14 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Bob Spencer said...

Wow, Milton, sorry to hear about this. Of course Laurie and I will join your many other friends in praying for clarity and discernment as to the next chapter in your life. Don't forget Romans 8:28!

3:18 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Andrew said...

Hey Milton ... really sad to hear that. But on the other hand, perhaps Providence is providing you with a new direction.

Our prayers are with you.

3:46 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Dr. Claude Mariottini said...

Milton,

I am sorry to hear about the decision of your congregation. We serve a great God who calls us to work in His Kingdom. The same God who called you is the same God who will provide for you.

You are in my prayers.

Claude Mariottini

4:25 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger John said...

Milton, it is a blessing in disguise! Our prayers are with you for the next exciting step in your ministry.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

5:06 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

John: I agree, except I wonder if there's really any disguise to it! Thank you for praying for us. Peace, brother

5:14 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Amen, Claude. Thank you so much.

5:15 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thanks, Andrew. God is indeed showing us a new direction. We're in the process of discerning which direction that is!

5:17 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thanks for praying for us, Bob, and for your encouragement. Rom. 8:28 has indeed been on our minds, and we've been reminding those in the congregation who didn't want us to go that we don't have to worry about our future if we've been called by God and love him. Peace.

5:21 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger pruittcommunications said...

Milton,

I'm sure it is difficult. God bless you as you seek the next chapter in the book God is writing in your life and in your ministry. God in His hand of providence has all things working for your good. I know you know all of this but I feel compelled to reassure you that God is control even in times like these.

I may be looking for work come January too. I still don't know if my job will be funded.

Terry

9:40 PM, December 18, 2006  
Blogger jeff said...

Milton,
John 3:8 has become a favorite verse for me, those who are born of the Spirit are like the wind, we don't know where we came from or where we are going. That's the life of faith. It's nerveracking that you never quite know how it's going to turn out but that's what keeps us coming back to Him. I'll be praying.

7:46 AM, December 19, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Milton,

Brother I hate to hear this. I was not online much yesterday and did not see it until now.

Know that we are and will be praying for you, your family, and your future. Contact us if you need anything and if we can do ANYTHING. You know that I mean that too.

Stay strong, be courageous, trust God for your future (which i know you do) and serve God in all things.

7:58 AM, December 19, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Milton, sorry to hear about that, will be praying for you definately.

8:36 AM, December 19, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thanks, Terry. All the best for you in your job uncertainty, too. Peace.

9:48 AM, December 19, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Amen, Jeff. Thanks.

9:49 AM, December 19, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thanks, Frank. I know you really mean it, and I'll keep in touch. Peace.

9:50 AM, December 19, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thank you, Marianne.

9:50 AM, December 19, 2006  
Blogger PamBG said...

Prayers for you and your family, Milton. (I'll assume I'm thanked unless your say otherwise!)

A theology tutor (that would be "professor" in American-speak) of mine once said that whenever we are asked to leave one community, God provides another one that is wondering where we have been. I don't mean that as a Polyanna statement; it's been true for me too.

3:47 PM, December 19, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Amen, Pam. Thank you, indeed.

4:37 PM, December 19, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Milton,

My family and I will ask God's richest blessings to be on you and your family at this time.

I think i cna speak for others when I say if there is anything we can do, please let us know.

11:49 AM, December 20, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thank you, Gallaher. I hadn't seen your blog before today. Would you like G'sPPB to be added to the Churches of Christ blogs page (http://groups.blogdigger.com/groups.jsp?id=1700)?

12:00 PM, December 20, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about all of this Milton. We are in the process of applying for a church that has a similar form of government. As we have never been through this kind of application process, our past history has been a church appointment process, your news comes both as a confirmation of our fears and concerns.

You're family and you, are in our prayers. I know these things are especially hard for our wives and the children and i know it must be on you as well. The Lord is forever faithful, yes he is!

Believing with you that the Lord will redeem this and turn around for you and your families good.

Blessings in Christ Jesus!

6:08 AM, December 22, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Amen, Phil. Thanks, brother.

7:06 AM, December 22, 2006  
Blogger Peter Bogert said...

Milton:

a second try at leaving a comment! I'll be praying for you. God will use your heart for him and lead you to another place of ministry.

10:39 AM, December 24, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thank you, Peter. We are happy to have prayer on our behalf for guidance right now. Peace.

9:07 PM, December 24, 2006  
Blogger Paul Lamey said...

Milton,

Your devotion to the Word preached and your love for ministry have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for showing such encouraging grace during this difficult time.

Paul Lamey

11:17 PM, December 27, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thank you, Paul, for your very kind words. Peace.

9:01 AM, December 28, 2006  
Blogger russn said...

Milton,

Just this morning the chairman of our Council of Elders spoke on change. He drew from Daniel 3 and spoke on four key words "our God is able." He expanded on this and spoke of God sometimes delivering us FROM the furnace and sometimes delivering us IN the furnace.

I cannot imagine what you and your family are going through, however we serve a God who is able to meet our needs and bring about His testimony in our lives. He's building your testimony for something more than we can imagine.

Looking forward to hearing of God's provision as you seek to continue in your service to Him. You are in my prayers.

11:30 AM, December 31, 2006  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thank you, Russ.

11:20 AM, January 01, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that - you are in our prayers tonight. Blessed be the one who suffers just as the Master.

12:21 AM, January 02, 2007  
Blogger Milton Stanley said...

Thanks, Bumble.

7:50 PM, January 02, 2007  

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