Saying "So Long" To Dan

Yep, it was bittersweet to celebrate Dan Southerland's last full-time day with us in Matthews yesterday.

He announced that he is taking the Lead Teaching Pastor role at Westside Family Church in Kansas City. A number of us had been walking closely with Dan as he and Mary processed this decision over the last months.

It is the right thing. God is in it. I am thrilled for both Dan and Westside, a truly great church.

But sad, too. Sad that this man whom I love as much as any guy I am not related to won't be here day to day. It's cool to be sad - if we can't hurt then we aren't living.

And Dan will still be here to teach several times a year and here every couple of months to hang with our church planters and campus pastors.

So, it is not "goodbye", but it is "so long, for now".

But still bittersweet.