Jumping Ahead A Year- Part 1

I'm shocked at how much time has elapsed, since my last posting.... October 2016

Looking back.... 2017 was a year of Big changes and Deep Personal Loss:

After 21 years.... we left Anderson Mill. I never thought that would ever, in a million years.... happen.
So many BIG changes in personnel.... Kevin-Bucky (Uganda)- Joel (Bucky's replacement- Jill-Stacy
and Brian. Brian's resignation and the way things happened afterwards.... was a BIG red flag....
something was very wrong. We knew that it was a matter of time before we would finally build a bigger sanctuary, it had been discussed. We were still in debt $20 million and even though we were at 3 services and growing, we still were not ready. However, the powers that be felt differently. DJ had told us that he was in this for the long haul, but then one Sunday morning, he informed us that he had be talking with a church in AL and was seriously considering taking the position. The next thing we know.... we are talking about breaking ground for the new sanctuary and enters.... Jeff Brockleman (Brian's replacement). Suddenly there is a drastic change in the music. Brockleman has handpicked a Praise Team.... the choir is just a back up for him and his group.... no choir specials, very little choir participation. As time goes on, we find out that Brockleman is just a "glorified" showman.... he does not know how to lead a choir, he is Not a choir director. We also are wondering how he was able to hand pick his Praise Team so quickly.... they were already in place and we had not auditioned for him yet. Yeah right.... audition. He was already implementing changes in our choir, before he moved here. In other words.... his was making the move before Brian ever resigned.
Brian was forced to resign and had to sign a "gag" order, that would keep him from talking, about the behind the scenes happenings, for a year. The bottom line.... in order for DJ to agree to stay.... the deacons had to give him a substantial raise AND give him full authority to hire and fire as he sees fit!!! Seriously? In a Southern Baptist Church? After much prayer and lots of tears.... we decided to visit Ronnie's home church View Church (Mountain View Baptist). Our first Sunday to visit was Palm Sunday. Meredith had obligations to fill at The Mill.... but we are there and it has been so good.
Justin and Jordan are still at The Mill.... and we still pray for our friends and that the church will continue to flourish.
I think I'm going to end this part here and continue on to part 2.