Rowlie Hutton's resignation letter to 5th Avenue Christian Church

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Rowlie Hutton's resignation letter to 5th Avenue Christian Church

Published: Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Here is the text of the letter Rowlie Hutton sent out to his congregation: January 27, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

Traveling down winter roads, you are never quite sure where the “rattles in your car” are coming from; if the front end is out of alignment or just absorbing the icy pot- holes. Once you get on the clear high-way-then you are able to assess what is really going on.

For some time now, I have sensed the “alignment” was off in my ministry at Fifth Avenue. It wasn’t until I traveled to a conference with one of our elders that I was able to assess — -and put into words how I was feeling.

There are four areas in which a church needs to be aligned:

a. Theology

b. Philosophy

c. Relationship

d. Organization

I have arrived at the pain-staking conclusion that I am not really in alignment with the leadership at Fifth Avenue. Theologically we are on “target”; the other three we are “wobbling”. Just as I have always “known” concerning major moves in my ministry, I know that it is time for me to ask for understanding and blessing as I leave this area that I call home.

Because I have been a part of this congregation for almost fourteen years, and due to the fact I will be involved in the Senate for the next four months, I wanted to give ample time to make this transition. I will officially resign on April 4th, and my last Sunday will be May 1st. I have trusted more and more in the Sovereignty of God, and I am convinced that the best days are ahead for Fifth Avenue. We have a terrific group of emerging leaders, small groups have become a place where lives are being changed, and Fifth Avenue is “reaching globally and acting locally”.

I wish I would have had time to visit with each one of you personally, but the weather and my emotional well-being would not allow it. I will be traveling home this weekend, and will do my best to keep the channels of communication open.

SOME THINGS I NEED TO SAY

a. Let’s make our last months together special.

b. I am committed to the mission of Fifth Avenue-I want you to be as well.

c. Take this time to grow closer to God and one another.

d. Stay the course.

TOGETHER WE HAVE:

A. Impacted one out of five people from Chester to Malta.

B. Immersed over 600 of our family and friends.

C. Witnessed Small Groups become the catalyst for growth.

D. Established a DNA of “Reach Globally-Act Locally”.

E. Maintained our Mission.

ETERNITY IS AT STAKE,

Rowlie

Here is the text of the letter Rowlie Hutton sent out to his congregation:

January 27, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

For some time now, I have sensed the “alignment” was off in my ministry at Fifth Avenue. It wasn’t until I traveled to a conference with one of our elders that I was able to assess — and put into words how I was feeling.

There are four areas in which a church needs to be aligned:

a. Theology

b. Philosophy

c. Relationship

d. Organization

SOME THINGS I NEED TO SAY

a. Let’s make our last months together special.

b. I am committed to the mission of Fifth Avenue-I want you to be as well.

c. Take this time to grow closer to God and one another.

d. Stay the course.

TOGETHER WE HAVE:

A. Impacted one out of five people from Chester to Malta.

B. Immersed over 600 of our family and friends.

C. Witnessed Small Groups become the catalyst for growth.

D. Established a DNA of “Reach Globally-Act Locally”.

E. Maintained our Mission.

ETERNITY IS AT STAKE,

Rowlie

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Comments (7)

By Steve F on March 2nd, 2011 at 04:44am

Bill and Rachel and anyone else ...no matter what job you are in or what the circumstances are, when God speaks you #1)Obey ..#2)Pack your bags ...#3)and Move Out as any soldier would. Those who have a call to the mission field or a specific ministry would know about this and the heavy price we pay and scars inflicted upon us by Job type friends in the body of Christ. Very few will understand and even the closest ones to you will criticize and could challenge you to disobey God's providence, timing, and callings. Kudosâ€™s for who have been tested in this area will agree with these comments (please read John 21 before you even think about replying back to anybody in on the web). Those who have not been yet tested or in all honesty in their past have disobeyed multiple times have become hardened and critical (could not give up their own will or agenda). What Rowlie and a chosen few have gone through for Centuries (Hebrews ..the hall of fame list) and many of our past and current heroes of the faith can only understand what might be going on. I know for a fact it's lonely at the top for those who are truly and radically commented, submitted, and focused on the heart and voice of our King Jesus and the Fathers heart.

By Rachel Lopez on February 17th, 2011 at 08:34am

I have no problem "manning up" and adding my name to Bill's comments. I would love to hear "the rest of the story". Family values, anyone?

By Bob JOHNSON on February 7th, 2011 at 14:43pm

bill, great job remaining anonymous as you vent. Man up and add your last name.

By Mavis Filler on February 6th, 2011 at 03:27am

Rowlie,
I am not a member of Fifth Avenue Christian Church, but your faithful presence in our community is felt without sitting in your pews Sunday mornings. I live one block from the previous Sixth Avenue Christian Church, and I experienced both joy in your success as a growing church, and grief of losing you as a neighbor. You and Suzette will be so missed in Havre as well as in the Turner community. A decision as you are making to step down from the Senate seat, as well as leaving the Church you have so faithfully served for 14 years, cannot be an easy one. Draw strength from those who support you, and do not lose faith when others cannot understand or support such difficult life choices. Keep looking up!! You will be missed.

By bill on February 4th, 2011 at 11:04am

I dont really care about you leaving your church, I have seen enough preachers from different head out to greener pastures and it never surprises me. What I do care about is a promise that was made to the people of blaine and hill county. People put in alot of time, money and there votes into getting you elected. I find it hard to believe that this so called alignment issue you have is something that just occured, and that you just so happen to have another job lined up. You promised the people that you would serve them for 4 years if elected and now you are skipping out after a few months. I have a hard time thinking of you anything other than a common thief, you stole their money, you stole their time and you stole their votes. As for you do us the favor of hangning around until the political work is down for the year, why even bother. You have already showed that you do not have the best interests of the area in mind.

By Mark Schilling on February 3rd, 2011 at 16:47pm

Rowlie:

You have always inspired my wife Karen and I. Her mother absolutely loved your ministries as she smiled during and afterward. You were truly a blessing to us and we will never, ever forget Rowlie Hutton. God be with you always as you move into a new ministry as you spread the love of the Lord onward into a new area. We love you dearly Rowlie. You take care, and move more souls to the side of the light.

By Michelle Springer on February 3rd, 2011 at 11:33am

Rowlie

I will always hold you in high regards. In 2007 you officiated the funeral for my son. It was the hardest time of my life but you made things a bit easier. You came out the Gildford to meet all my family and make plans. You gave an amazing service, everyone I talked to said how beautiful it was. I will never forget you for this and hope whereever your path leads you will give you fulfillment. God Bless and Thank you.
Michelle (Keeley) Springer

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