I am very thankful this holiday season. I've been offered a full time preaching position with the church where I've been filling the pulpit this Fall. I had already preached there about seven times when they made the offer. So we might get in the Guinness Book for the longest job interview on record. We've actually been talking since July. So by now we should know each other well enough to make this work.
The church has a lot going for it including biblically based elders, committed deacons, a nice facility, and a really good number in the youth group for a congregation this size. We'll also have a greater number of peers than we've had in some previous works, with several couples within our age range who are still raising their kids. The town is neither too big, nor too small.
Another great thing about this opportunity is that it's just about ninety minutes from our house (sometimes less depending on traffic). So this will be the shortest move I've made from one city to another in my adult life. We won't have to change our driver's licenses, bank accounts, Gretchen's teaching certificate, or Justin's charter school.
The close proximity also allows me to get my office set up before going full time in January. I'll be taking some books and files up over the next several days. So I won't have the distractions of filing papers and shelving books while getting to know people in the congregation. I'm already studying the membership directory and putting together a tentative sermon calendar.
So I'll remain part-time through the remainder of the year while enjoying the holidays with my family. After that it is back to full time work. I am so ready!
Thanks to all who have prayed for us, have shared job leads, or have continued to check in on this blog even when it was a long time between posts. Thanks to those who've offered words of encouragement. I'm sorry for my extended silence for so long, but I'm starting to feel like writing again. This time I mean it. So stay tuned.
I am very happy for you! Congratulations! God is good and has opened another door for you and your family! Continue in your exuberance for it will serve you well.
Posted by: Randy | December 03, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Randy,
Thanks for reading and thanks for commenting. Drop in here any time.
Posted by: Wade Tannehill | December 03, 2008 at 08:38 PM
That's great news, Wade! I'm really happy for you.
Posted by: Lisa | December 03, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Lisa,
Thanks. And thanks for all your encouragement over the months. It means a great deal.
Posted by: Wade Tannehill | December 04, 2008 at 05:40 PM
ALRIGHT!!! GREAT NEWS and i am happy for you. God is good.
Posted by: brian | December 04, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Brian,
Thanks for stopping by to celebrate with me!
Posted by: Wade Tannehill | December 04, 2008 at 09:47 PM
I am thrilled for you and your family! God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. He always provides when we put our trust in Him. You have been thrown some curves and I am proud of your faithfulness. I'll be looking forward to your writing again.
Posted by: Vicki | December 05, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Vicki,
It is amazing how he has provided not only in terms of a new job, but how he provided throughout the time-in-between. Through the harder times we gain stronger testimonies.
Posted by: Wade Tannehill | December 05, 2008 at 02:53 PM
WADE,
Congratulation!!!! I am so encouraged to see things working out for you. God always seems to work things out. I'm just giddy! God Bless you my friend!
Tucker
Posted by: Tucker | December 06, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Tucker,
Thank you so much!
Posted by: Wade Tannehill | December 07, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Congratulations brother.
I want you to know that you have been in my prayers and will continue to be in my prayers.
My God bless you and your family more than you can fathom.
Posted by: preacherman | December 08, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Preacherman,
Thanks. And may God do the same for your family.
Posted by: Wade Tannehill | December 08, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Yea!! Wade, I just saw this and am so happy for you and your family. Thanks for the update. --Frank
Posted by: Frank | December 08, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Good!!!! :)
Posted by: Don | December 08, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Frank,
Thank you!
Posted by: Wade Tannehill | December 08, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Don,
Thanks. I appreciate your encouragement and prayers.
Posted by: Wade Tannehill | December 08, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Wade, glad to hear you are in the pulpit again. May God bless you in your work.
Posted by: Bob Bliss | December 08, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Congratulations on the new job. Thanks again for your letter of rec. as well. It worked. We will be leaving in January for Italy. We are still a little short on funds, but are trusting God with what is needed. Thanks for your help and say hi to your family.
Posted by: Titus Robison | December 08, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Bob,
Thanks for your encouragement through these difficult months. It's great to have someone who understands.
Posted by: Wade Tannehill | December 09, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Titus,
Thank you and congratulations to you as well. Keep me posted on your work and your whereabouts. I want to keep in touch and know what's going on with you.
Posted by: Wade Tannehill | December 09, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Wade,
I dropped in after a long hiatus. Congratulations! Shalom. Steve
Posted by: Steve Barrett | March 07, 2009 at 05:17 PM