He offered this advice, “Just look where doors and windows seem to be opening and walk through them.”  

When considering whether to uproot my family and move to Charlotte in 1999, I reached out to one of my former pastors. Since he shared this advice with me 23 years ago, I’ve offered the same advice to many others. And I remembered his words of wisdom when a window of opportunity recently opened, drawing my family and me into a new season.  

It was very difficult for me to deliver my letter of resignation to Pastor Scott, for I have loved this 22-year season of ministry with Christ Lutheran Church (CLC). It’s amazing when you consider that it began as a 5-hour-per-week job as one of the assistant musicians at Christ Providence.  Throughout this season on the CLC staff, you have nurtured and supported me, my family, and my journey in ministry—through seminary and into a call as one of your pastors.  For the last 5 years, I have been privileged to lead the redevelopment effort with the dedicated and spirit-filled members of our campus community at Christ Concord. On the journey through this last season, I have learned, grown, and (hopefully) have become a better pastor, because of you. It has been a joy and a privilege to serve with you in building God’s Kingdom!

But, as I peered through the open window of a possible new season, I saw a different way that God could use me to build His Kingdom. After much prayer and discernment, I stepped through the window, accepting the opportunity to become the North Carolina Development Officer with Lutheran Services of the Carolinas (LSC). This position will utilize my experience, training, and background in financial services, as well as skills in pastoral care and communication. As I meet with individuals, churches, and corporations, it will be a delight to listen to their stories and their charitable goals, and then to share the stories of the many wonderful ministries of LSC. As a member of the development team, I will work to build financial support for LSC through the Annual Fund, Major Gift Campaigns, and Planned Giving strategies.  

It is my hope that this new season will also afford more time to continue building my financial planning practice, and to spend more time with family and friends. Our family plans to continue as active members of Christ Lutheran.

Christ Lutheran, thank you for your support.

Thank you for your patience.

Thank you for your love.

And thank you for your prayers, as my family and I journey into this next season.

May God be with each of you and may He continue to bless you, and this wonderful congregation.

‍

In Christ,

Pastor Tenny

‍