The Second Worst Day Of My Life

The worst day of my life was in 2000 when the doctor told us we could not have children on our own.  Devastating.  Eight years and two kids later, everything turned out better than we ever thought it would.

The second worst day of my life was today.  I announced this morning that April will be Catalyst Church's last month.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Catalyst will close at the end of this month.

Our reasons for closing are primarily financial.  We just are not seeing enough in giving to sustain us in a healthy and strategic way into the future.  We always want to be true to our vision and model, and this cannot happen if we continue to move forward in this manner.  We never want to be just another church.

The decision was immensely personal and difficult for me, my wife and I, and our staff and their spouses.  We realize the decision hits everyone else at a very personal level also.  So many people have invested themselves into the vision and model.  If you'd like to see the letter and email we sent to CC-ers, here it is.

We're going to close Catalyst the right way!  We're going to honor everything God has done over the past two years.  This may sound strange, but I am excited about what we have planned.  We're going out the right way!  If you'd like to see our schedule for the remainder of April, here it is.

Needless to say, I'll be talking a lot about lessons learned, next steps, how we're trying to close Catalyst really well, etc. on the blog.  Tune in for some unique posts.  We really want to help others learn from this season.  If you have specific questions, please let me know.

And please pray for CC-ers as they process what is happening.  Also pray for our staff as we help CC-ers process this.  Pray for our staff as we look for jobs as well.

Comments

[Jonathan Herron]

Wow - praying for you, bro.

[inWorship]

Casey, I already told Jake, but I am definitely praying for you guys through this!

I cannot imagine the position you are in.

I know that the ministry God has started in and through you guys will continue in some form. I am sure it is still alive and well in you.

I am looking forward to hearing the amazing things that you will have to share down the road as God walks you through this.

Brent

[Tina Harkey]

Casey,

I'm really glad we took the time to come and worship with you guys one Sunday. I'm sorry to hear this news.

We will be praying for your staff and their transitions. We will also be praying for your congregation as they look for a relevant ministry to plug into.

A word of advice is to take time to grieve as it is a loss. My third week away from Covenant was the hardest and I still miss the kiddos.

Tina