Apr 26, 2018
By Rob Appel
Back in August of 2017, I had a conversation with the other Directors of the Conference about when would be a good time for me to transition out of the position of Executive Director. Basically, to a person, they said, “That is your decision. We are glad to have you here in this position as long as you feel led to be here.” They also thanked me for asking them.
At this year’s General Conference Sessions, we need to decide what we are doing as far as this position is concerned. One of the agreements between the Conference and the Executive Director is that we would give each other a year’s advance notice before a change would occur. The reason for this is due to the longevity that it usually takes to fill this type of position. Because of all this, I let the General Council know in October that I would be taking a spiritual retreat before our March meetings, in order to give them a decision—because I was thinking it was time for me to vacate the position.
On February 2-5, I went on the retreat. After 28 hours of fasting and then praying on Sabbath morning the 3rd, I asked God to show me what He wanted me to do. I opened my Bible, clearly expecting it to open to Psalms or Proverbs and I heard a clear voice say, “Turn to James.” So I did!
In a “Reader’s Digest” shortened version, this is what my retreat was like. I want to share the verses that God directed me to. They are in the order that I received them. You can look up the whole passage if you would like. I will just note some of the clear messages for me.
James 1: 5 — If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Proverbs 2:6 — For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding;
Acts 23:1b — “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”
James 3:16-18 — 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Hebrews 6:10 — For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
2 Timothy 4:6-7 — 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Corinthians 8:10 — And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only
to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.
Titus 2:7b — In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.
I do not make this decision without a lot of emotion. I have been in this position for 14 years. That is a long time to be involved in a ministry, and then just simply step away. After losing my good friend Jonas Sommer and his family on February 15, my demeanor and emotions were all over the place. And likewise, my heart hurts just thinking about losing this part of my life as well. But it is the right thing to do at this time. I believe that our Association of Churches needs a boost. I believe that my stepping down will do just that: give us a new excitement and renewed collaboration as a united team!
Won’t you please be in prayer with me as we take this new journey?
