I resigned from my position as Nehemiah Professor yesterday, effective August 31. God is granting us a surprising measure of success in our church planting project in Austin. The work is moving forward at such a pace that it is creating enormous peace in Janet and me--so much so that we both sense this work is God's way of calling us to a new chapter in our lives. We believe that it is the will of Christ that we stay with the work in Austin permanently, and we hope for your partnership to advance His kingdom through Austin Hope Church.

I am saddened but understand NAMB’s stated policy that one may either plant a church or teach church planting but not both. I have consistently believed and stated that God called me to church planting primarily. Therefore, I must first plant churches, and second, I have asked for a contract to teach younger leaders to plant churches through our seminaries. To do the latter requires my resignation from my position as Nehemiah Professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

I am grateful to NAMB for their willingness to discuss contract teaching as a way to continue our partnership. I am equally grateful to NOBTS for our years together and hope we can continue.

I am also requesting NAMB’s partnership in the planting of Austin Hope Church. Terry Coy (Southern Baptists of Texas Convention), David Smith (Austin Baptist Association), and Hays Hills Baptist Church are currently in covenant with us. Janet and I will be so grateful if NAMB will continue to provide our health insurance and the same stipend for the next two years that they provide to someone planting a church through the Nehemiah Project.

Our work is a pioneer effort to raise indigenous church planters from the 90% unchurched population of Austin, a group historically resistant to the Gospel. The complete proposal is available for prospective partners by request. We employ a church planting movement strategy.

I will appreciate your prayers as always.