Over the last several years, I have done some work in partnership with a missions organization based in Indianapolis called Two Eight Ministries. Much like Cru Music when I joined 20 years ago, Two Eight uses music to help reach people, make disciples and connect people to community.
Through a small core team of 5-6 people, I’ve seen God increasing the scope, influence and effectiveness of their efforts. One of Two Eight’s outreach strategies is working with Indiana’s addiction recovery organizations, and I’ve done about 16 events in the last few months with them. We’ve seen people make decisions to follow Jesus, and get more connected to local resources so they can experience recovery and redemption. It’s been life-giving to do some outreach ministry with some like-minded, committed friends “on the side” of my work with Cru.
At least, that’s what I thought it had been, up until recently.
Also over the last several years, Cru Music’s work has shifted away from outreach to focus on providing musical worship for internal conferences and events. And I think the team should do those things. But this summer, Cru’s leaders decided that the team would stop doing outreach completely and focus solely on worship.
My calling and passion have always been to use music to reach people who don’t already know Jesus. That’s why I changed careers to join Cru in the first place, so this was a development that put me at an unexpected crossroads. The newly- defined scope of Cru Music’s work is a good and important thing for Cru, but no longer aligns with what I feel most called to do.
After many hours of prayer and seeking wise counsel, I began to see the developments of the last few years more clearly. What I thought was a ‘side’ ministry project was really the Lord’s way of leading me to the next chapter of ministry.
And so, I believe the Lord is leading me to end my time with Cru and join the staff of Two Eight ministries. This is a major change in terms of the organization where I live out my calling, but necessary in order for me to stay true to my calling.
I’m still firming up the details of the transition, and there are questions I can’t answer right at this moment. But I wanted to fill you in on how things are developing so you can pray for me as I finish up my work with Cru and plan the transition, which won’t happen until early November.
Like Cru, Two Eight is a 501(c)3 non-profit missions organization, and I’ll still need a team of people to support our work financially – we’ll be inviting you to come with us on the journey with your giving.
Soon, I will be in touch again with“A Major Change, Part 2”, and I’ll be able to share more specific information about my work with Two Eight, and how you can be a part of it with us.
As always, thank you so much for your prayers and support – I simply can’t do this without you, and I’m grateful!