Farewell Message from Jeff and Martha Parish

PastorSpotlight
Farewell Message from Jeff and Martha Parish
by:Jeff Parish, Senior Pastor


Almost 11 years ago, God started His new church on Davis Islands.Several months after its start, He clearly called me to be the Senior Pastor. I have had the delight of watching Him work as He has called each person here to be a part. It i the thrill of a lifetime to see the way He is changing lives through salvation, healing, and spiritual growth through the ministries at DIBC It has been my honor to serve Him here. Several months ago, the retiring Senior Pastor of 37 years of First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks asked me to pray about replacing him. It is not the first time that 'a Pastor or members from another church have approached me believing that God may be calling me to lead their congregation. This time, as in each time before, I committed the matter to careful prayer and consideration to determine God's will. In each case before, God clearly confirmed in me that the ministry at Davis Islands was both my assignment and my passion. This time, however, I did not find that same confirmation. After much prayer over several months, God has made it very clear that my time at Davis Islands has come to an end and I am absolutely confident that He is now calling me to lead the church at Indian Rocks. While I know in my peart that God is moving me, the process has been very emotional because of my love and passion for this church. The decision to leave Davis Islands has been one of the most difficult of my life. I have felt like a father leaving behind his cherished children. My comfort in this painful time is my knowing that this is God's direction. Ifmy ministry is to have integrity, I must act on the obedience of which I speak from the pulpit. Now what about Davis Islands? The future of God's church here is very bright. He has assembled a wonderful team of gifted, talented, and Spiritfilled staff members who have managed the business and ministry affairs of the church for the past several years. They have seen that things work while my time was almost completely consumed with sermon preparation and study and
counseling. These folks are passionate and will continue to see that the ministries at Davis Islands function and flourish without interruption.They will be under the
leadership of Associate Pastor. for Ministries,Todd Roberts, ~ serving as the Interim
Senior Pastor. They will continue to be supported by the strong team of lay leaders who make up the Finance,Personnel, Nominating, Missions, and Properties Committees. Meanwhile, by the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws, there will be a Pastoral Search Committee assembled to begin the search for the next Senior Pastor. Davis Islands Baptist Church is positioned to continue operating and growing as
the strong Pastor-led, committee-run church that it has become over the last
11 years. If! have done the job that God called me to do, the church will grow and prosper in my absence. The best days are ahead for this church as you move into the new Ballast Point facility in the fall. What an exciting time that will be! I know
God will use you and that property to bring many new believers to a growing relationship with Him. I urge you to stay faithful in your relationship with God,
in your fellowship with other believers in your church, and in your financial
support of His work here. I love you, and I look forward to hearing about
God's work in you and your church in the years to come.

Here is his introduction at his new church.

In The Fog Of Platitudes

As I mentioned before our church is in the strange reality of having a Pastor suddenly announce that he has been asked by another church to leave what was his church family to be their pastor. I am new to all this but I can tell you that I am learning that one thing that helps is seeking to understand what is happening. I desire to hear from those who are staying in leadership what they honestly feel.

There is very little being said by those who know what is transpiring except to say "It is God's will”. As time goes by I am finding that this is not nearly enough. Knowing the churches current situation and some of the large responsibilities we have taken on I am experiencing some frustration. I have had the opportunity to speak with several members who I have great respect for and this has been a comfort. These conversations have also revealed that even the more connected members have been left dumbfounded by the current situation.

The End of On Era!

Tonight was the night that our pastor announced he is moving to a new flock in another pasture. We love Pastor Jeff and I pray it goes well for him. I have been a joyful gatherer at Davis Islands Baptist Church for nigh unto eleven years now and have appreciated Jeff’s excellent teaching from the scriptures. Even more impressive to me is the vital community that the studying of the word fostered over the years.
His Announcement.

I can tell you that the church is not a place but a people. I have made life long friends and most my of my misgivings about the changes that are occurring are bourn of my selfish desire to have all of the dear ones close to me. Obedience is the only truly loving response to a truly loving Heavenly Father. Disobedience comes with hard consequences but God is a God of mercy!

Our church (the people that show at a building on Davis Islands) is well equipped to deal with this transition. Jeff himself, over the years, has heeded the scriptures and encouraged an approach that had people meet in homes independently of the properties owned by DIBC. We have strong Christian families that reach out to each other in any time of need. We have many folks who know what it is to rely completely on God’s leading during mission adventures in the far corners of the planet even when God’s plan reveals a different focus than those of the planners.

God will have His way in spite of the foolishness of we His people and when I look back on the foolishness in my own life I am so grateful for that fact. I get angry when the foolishness of other’s threatens my happy little world but my own foolishness always serves to remind me to forgive. This said we as a church must now be prayerfully vigilant in seeking God during this time. We must be uncompromising in the way that we conduct ourselves as seeking community looks on. We should be a light to the lost and live the will of God as he so clearly reveals in His Word. It is really quite simple. Jesus came before and lived this life as an example, all we need to do is follow his lead.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:6-8

I love you my brothers and sisters, especially you little people and I pray you rest in the peace that passes all understanding. This will be an exciting time!