Shared by Mark and Jill Savage at Crosswinds Community Church on Sunday, December 20, 2009:

I want to deeply thank every member of the Leadership Council and to thank you for the grace, love and time you have provided in this sabbatical.  God definitely has done as He promised.  He showed me to me, has done some healing work in Jill and me; and He has brought ministry direction to Jill and me.

10 years ago when Crosswinds began, we knew that God was calling us to start this church.  His affirmations have always been present.  His leadings continue to be obvious because this is what God does.  Alongside of Crosswinds, we have also known His calling in our life is to minister to families and marriages.  Our heart and and honestly, our calling, have always been beyond the local church.

This calling to encourage and build up families and marriages has deepened and expanded to the place that we realize we can’t do both church ministry and para-church ministry.  As we have taught you and continue to practice, “we have to let go of where we are to get to where God wants us.”

Before starting Crosswinds, I knew, but resisted God’s calling for Jill and me to fully partner together outside of Crosswinds.  We now are clear in what this decision actually means.  I am now fully stepping out of a staff role here at Crosswinds for Jill and I to partner together equipping and encouraging families. The door is wide open to God’s calling to speak, write, coach and teach.  In faith, fear, and anticipation we are jumping off the faith high dive and jumping into this God sized opportunity.

Jill and I have a great deal to establish yet. Our calling to encourage families is congruent with the mission of Hearts at Home and our opportunities to teach and write, both here in the U.S. and internationally, on marriage, parenting, and family issues has only grown.

Because we believe in the mission of Hearts at Home and what God is doing through this ministry, we’re answering the call to be solely focused on encouraging, educating, and equipping moms and their families. 

In Hearts at Home leader Rhonda Kasper’s words, “This is just too crazy for Mark and Jill to think of on their own.  It has to be from God.”  We’d have to agree.  When we think of it through human eyes….walking away from the security of a known job description, a solid income and insurance benefits is insane.  But when we think of it from God’s perspective, we are reminded of this truth in His Word: Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Hearts at Home, however, does not currently have the ability to financially support full-time staff.  Because of this, we are willingly submitting to a missionary calling which will require us to raise both financial and prayer support for our family.  Jill and I have always found ourselves in the front row seat at watching God work.  We’re excited about this opportunity to invite you and others to become part of our team and have that front row seat at watching God work.

So now for the big question in all of your minds: What does this means for Crosswinds?

…Our plan is to remain here and to serve this church as you do.  The Leadership Council is graciously working with me and my salary to help transition us into this next faith filled season.

…I will continue, at this point, to be a part of the teaching team and will bring messages alongside of gifted speakers like you have all experienced this fall like Bill and Judy Swindle, Trent Seggelke, Mike Wiese, Shelley Bauer and Brad Houchin. 

…In order to fully pursue this next direction, I do plan to step off of the Leadership Council at the end of January 2010.

….The past ten years I have truly been able to see my dream for church come true.   It’s never been my desire for this to be “Mark’s church” but rather Jesus Christ’s church. 

…I am released by God knowing that leader’s are leading all over this church. 

• I want to begin with recognizing the significant responsibility the Leadership Council carries.  This team truly leads this church.  As much as you may not understand how this works, it truly does.  This team will continue to lead.  Mike Nelson brings honesty and accountability.  Mike Wiese brings wisdom, insights and questions after questions.  Shelley Bauer brings a strong directive leadership that is and has been greatly needed.  Judy Swindle brings a wealth of experience and understanding.
• The Director’s and their team leaders are the ones that have made the actual ministries and programming work.
  • Brad Houchin directs the Student Ministries along with his team leaders: Pre K: Michelle Bledsoe, Klubhouse: Jessica Nesby, GLO: Josh and Rachel Kuehl, and Sheree; and KidStuf: Tony and Jessica Nesby, and Jenna Self
  •  Michele Nelson who directs Communication along with her team leaders: Administrative Support – Rachel Kuehl, Facility Team Leader – Gregg Bauer, IT Team Leader – Michael Huffington, and Guest Assistance – Jill Rosenau
  • Josh Jeffrey who directs Worship ministries along with his team leaders: Trent Seggelke and Donnie Holiday,  both serve as worship leaders and Karen Wilson, serves as presentation coordinator.
  • Dustin and Jennifer Copass who direct Community Groups along with the many community group leaders.
  • Dave Van Allen who directs finance along with his team: Brad Harrell and Rachel Kuehl

 A next question:  What about you?  What do you do?

1. I want to ask you to stay steady in grace. Ask questions and trust what God is doing here.
2. Pray intently and
3. Engage by loving this church and glorifying Jesus Christ through your commitment.

The Leadership  Council will now bring you some additional information and will lead us in prayer.