All Good Things… (An Announcement)21
Posted In Life
To our friends near and far,
Every story is a journey. We begin one place and end up another. And while we strive for a destination, it turns out it was the journey to get there that shaped and transformed us. Along the way, you meet amazing characters, encounter unexpected struggles, gain greater knowledge, experience remarkable moments, and discover things about yourself you didn’t know existed. And, you change.
For the past four years, we’ve lived such a story as we started a church from scratch. It was a dream that began with the drive for people to know Jesus, experience grace, live free, and become difference makers. We called this dream Project Church. And it’s been an off-road adventure to say the least…and we’ve loved it.
However, it’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our part in the Project Church story will conclude at the end of this year. Starting next year, I will no longer serve as pastor.
There’s no scandal, controversy, politics, or bitterness. It’s simply time.
We’ve traveled as far as we could on this church planting journey. For months, we’ve agonized and prayed over this terribly difficult decision. And frankly, it sucks.
Why now?
The bottom line is this: it’s a miracle we made it this far. From the beginning, our church has operated on a thrift store budget in a world of department store expectations. We have, by God’s grace, always been able to make ends meet and still make an impact, but have never been in a position to pay a salary to anyone. Including me.
Rather than raise salary support, I opted to work full-time while starting the church so that I could provide for my family and have the resources to start Project Church. This clocked me in at an insane amount of working hours. From time to time, I would reassure my family, “It won’t be like this forever.” They would smile and give me the supportive-family nod. Deep down, I knew things had to change or it would all catch up with me.
Sure enough, leaks began to emerge in my proverbial boat. I tried to stick some gum in the cracks to seal up the leaks—I handed off as much as I could to other leaders, attempted to establish elders, scaled back and made our church as lean as possible, and worked more from home—but the pressure kept pushing on through.
In May of this year, I took a couple of weeks off, and that’s when I first sensed that God was releasing me to a new season. But I’m a fighter. And instead of listening to God’s nudge, I held on tighter, tried harder, and hoped God would change his mind. But he kept whispering, “It’s time…It’s going to be okay…I’m in control.” I even attended the Catalyst conference earlier this month, begging God for a different direction. But the collective shout of the theme “Be Present” only reinforced what God was already whispering.
I finally listened.
The most heartbreaking part isn’t about what happens to me and my family, we’ll be fine. It’s knowing the impact our decision will have on others. We certainly don’t want to disappoint anyone, but we know this news will. And for this, we are truly sorry. Just know we didn’t make this decision lightly.
My battle cry is to finish strong. I will continue to teach at our Sunday gatherings for the rest of the year. In the meantime, other leaders will seek God as to what should happen with Project Church following our departure. I have expressed my feelings, but at their request, I will leave the decision in their hands. Regardless, my hope is that all who have been a part of this story will always love God, love people, and live free.
As for what’s next for me? God only knows. I do know my calling hasn’t changed. I will spend my life living and telling better stories and helping others do the same.
As for you, thank you for your support, prayers, and love. This story we’ve lived has been one wild ride and it has totally been worth it. Looking back, we’ve learned a ton through our successes and mistakes. And at the end of the day, we are better because Project Church existed. We hope you are too. We love you all!
Following the announcement to our leaders, my nine-year-old daughter squeezed my hand and said, “Thanks for choosing us, Daddy.” Those five words sum up what this decision is all about.
I will conclude with a quote from the brilliant Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” We are so glad it did.
Love God. Love People. Live Free.
Jason and Gwyn Salamun
”For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” {Ecclesiastes 3:1}
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Hello friend. Glad you stopped by.
My name is Jason Salamun and I created this space for two reasons:
- To help folks live and tell better stories.
- To serve as a playground to share what I'm learning about the art and craft of storytelling.
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[...] Please take the time to read this announcement. I will share more with you this Sunday at Project Church. In the meantime, I want to make sure you have time to absorb the news. [...]
Love you guys.
Love you guys, too.
Jason – God has used you MIGHTILY!
I’m FOR you and excited about your journey ahead!
Thanks for the words of encouragement, Jon!
Jason thanks for having the courage to prioritize.
Thanks for having the courage to do what you know God is asking you to do.
Thanks for leading by example.
Love you bro.
Appreciate it, Clay.
This church defined my belief in God. So many churches become overrun in dogma, forgeting to look into the bible for direction. I only discovered you two months ago. It is with a heavy heart that I say thank you. We will be praying for you and your family. God has blessed us with participation in something so pure. Now my prayer is that God will bless you. Thank you Jason.
Thanks Kelli. I love hearing stories like that. I will be here for the rest of the year. Looking forward to finishing strong.
Jason and Gwyn,
I was surprised to read this but at the same time I am glad to read that you are listening to what GOD is telling you. For if we do not listen and do what good are we? God bless you for starting Project Church and encouraging people from all lives to come and accept them as they are. I will be praying for the next journey in your life to be evident from God’s leading.
Family is so important and your child said it simply. What a blessing.
One question? You mentioned that you went to a Catalyst conference. Was the one you attended in Atlanta, GA? Just wondering because my oldest son went to it and he LOVED it.
Sorry for the letter but want to thank you for your concern for the people out there and Kevin and I have enjoyed listening to you when we come out to visit our son Cory and Shannon and grand kids. GOD BLESS.
Thanks Tammie. Yes, that’s the same conference I went to. It was very meaningful.
Your other son, Cory, is one terrific man. You must be so proud. Love how he and Shannon are working to adopt a child from Ethiopia. You must be so proud.
Great word brother.
Will definitely be praying for you and your family (thanks for choosing them) along with the Project Church family as well.
God is so good.
Adam
We appreciate that, Adam.
[...] my announcement earlier this week that I’m resigning as pastor of Project Church at the end of 2011, the most frequently asked [...]
Jason,
It was a privilege getting to know you as a church planter over how every many years its been since we connected at the Church Planters Conference in Atlanta. It remains a privilege knowing you as a brother, dad, pastor, son.
I’m excited for you to have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to you. I’m hopeful for Project Church to have that same DNA…and that the next steps will be even better.
Cheers to you, bro. If you need a beach, I’ve got a few. If you want a place to get away around Christmas, you’re welcome to ours while we’re visiting Kelly’s family through New Years.
Much love to you, Jas!
TJ
Thanks bro. Enjoyed getting to know you too, Travis.
Praying for you, your family, and Project Church! I was at that same place 2 years ago. God kept telling me; God first, Family second, church third. It will be tough for you and the church. Will continue to pray and if you need to talk to a brother from another mother, give me a call.
Chris Reeder
Thank you, Chris. Good to know we aren’t the only ones who’ve been through this.
[...] I enter my final month as pastor of the church I founded, I can already see the stitching of my pastor patch unraveling. It’s more difficult than I [...]
Jason – YOU are a great man and a great father. you are dead on when you said your daughter nailed it. Thank you for choosing them. You have a wonderful family and they deserve every ounce of you that they can get…
and vice-versa.
Chad, Amy, Emily, Dillon, and Bethany Houck
Jason,
I hope all goes well for you and your family. Project church is a good church. I hope your leaders take the task and listen to gods plan for this church. I have to tell you that although I did not consistently stick with your church because of several reasons. One of them reason was I was not in the right mind to support such a great cause. you know some of the problems i went through,, with god, family and work.. all in all. god took me by the hair and threw me into the direction he wanted me and my family to go in.
You are a good man. My biggest respects for you on your decision to make family first. I to have learned from our lord jesus that FAMILY is very much important. especially when god is making it that way! I still listen to some of your preachings. from time to time.. anyways.. god bless you and your family.. let us know when your book comes out. i look forward to saying.. HEY.. I KNEW THAT MAN!
best regards
Scott.