a difficult day

there's never an easy way to deliver bad news.  unfortunately, i've been reminded of that over the past several days.

today was a tough day.  this morning, sadly, we announced that catalyst church is closing.  we will not be able to continue beyond the month of april.

this has been, by far, the most difficult decision our staff has ever had to make.  it's painful.  it's incredibly personal for all of us.  there are a lot of people who have been and will be affected by this decision.

the reasons for closing catalyst are primarily financial.  the bottom line is that we're just not seeing enough giving to sustain us and push us forward.  our staff has always been committed to staying true to the vision God has given us and the model in which we operate.  we realize that can't happen if we continue to move forward in this shape.  it isn’t healthy for anyone involved.  (if you would like, you can read the official announcement that was mailed coinciding with our news this morning.)

as difficult as all of this is, as casey mentioned, we will be closing catalyst the right way.  we're going to honor the amazing things that God has done through catalyst church.  the fact that we are closing doesn't change what God has done... and we're going to celebrate it.  you can see our upcoming schedule for details.

i wish i could tell you what to expect over the next several weeks and months.  the truth is, i have no idea.  all i can tell you is that i, and the rest of our staff, are simply working through the next steps at this point.  i would ask that you pray for our staff, our spouses, and everyone involved @ catalyst as we begin to move forward.

lastly, a lot of people have asked what i will be doing next.  the answer to that question is… i don’t know. 

what i do know is that i have poured my heart into catalyst for the past 3 and ½ years, and i am going to pour my heart into making sure we finish well.  once that has taken place, we’ll see what God has in store for my family and i.

for now, i invite you to follow along as my family and i, and our staff, begin making this transition.  the next several weeks hold a lot of uncertainty, and we would greatly appreciate your prayers.

i'm sure i'll have more later.  stay tuned...

Comments

[InWorship]

Wow! You an Casey and Ryan and the rest of the crew will be in our prayers. Being in ministry, I understand the stresses of finances. I am sorry to see Catalyst end, but in the short time Ive gotten to get to know you guys, I am certain that Gods work through Catalyst will not end. It will continue through all of you, wherever he takes you.

[tam]

Brent told me this in the middle of church today and my gut just sank. Wow... I can't imagine how difficult this decision was. It certainly shows the strength of the staff and a willingness to trust and live out your faith!

Looking forward to see what God will do through this and you and how HE will provide the next step. Cause HE will!

[Sean]

Hi Jake,
I follow you on Twitter and saw your distressed post, had to come over and check it out.

I am sorry to read of your imminent closing down of Catalyst. My prayers are with you in dealing with this as well as the next stps that the Lord has in store for you. Keep leaning on Him, He is always there for you!

Sean

[Steve]

Jake -

We are heartbroken for you guys - We WILL pray for wisdom for you guys on what to do next. Let me know if there's anything we can do - We're having prayer tonight (we do this each Monday and pray for many churches in town) - we will pray for YOU GUYS tonight to have God's wisdom on what to do next.

[Tasha Via]

We are so sorry to hear about Catalyst Church. We keep up with you through Ridge Church (we are on rotation leading worship for them). We are praying for the staff and families and the transitions about to take place.

[jake]

brent, tam, sean, steve & tasha, thank you so much for your encouragement and prayers. it means the world.

and thank you to everyone who has emailed, called, texted, twittered (i think that covers everything...) since we shared our news yesterday. your prayers and encouragement mean more to us than you know. thank you so, so much.

[Vince]

Jake;
Hard to fathom, yet Impact Church is at about the same stage as Catalyst...2 yrs. We are experiencing tough times too. I will definitely be praying for you, your family and your team.