I have spent the time seeking the Lord's will
about a call from the Second Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Below is the letter I sent to them in answer.
January 22, 2009
Second Reformed Presbyterian Church
4800. N. Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46228
To the Saints of Second RPC,
Having received the call made out to me on December 14th, 2008 to join the pastoral staff of the Second RPC congregation, please know that I have been in much prayer and deliberation before the Lord regarding it. As you can imagine, having to come to a decision where I know I would have to either leave a congregation that is family to us or decline an offer by one that I also love has not been easy. Yet the Lord has used the means of His Word, counsel, providences and prayers to draw near me and to make His will known to me at this time.
Though it brings me sadness, I now inform you that I must respectfully decline this call. On Thursday, January 22nd, I came and met with your pastor and elders to tell them of my decision and explain the reasons, many of which are very personal. Please indulge me for a moment as I assure you what were not factors in this decision.
Please know that it was not a lack of desire to help or concern for you all at Second RPC that led to this decision. Having been an intern at Second RPC in 1989 means that I have been blessed with a special relationship to Dr. Blackwood, Pastor Johnston, and many of you there for twenty years and even longer. Seeing so many names of people we love signed to the call did tug at our hearts, and to be honest seeing Roy and Margie’s there made me cry. As the call was extremely generous, the potential for ministry there is great, and the history of the Lord’s using Second RPC undeniable, please know that questions regarding these matters did not lead me to this conclusion.
The congregation of Sycamore and I will continue to uphold you in prayer, knowing that the Lord will keep building the church of Second Reformed Presbyterian. In the Spirit of Christ, who is the head of the church and places each member in the body just as He desires, we trust this interaction will only create greater love between us not less. Indeed, I pray that we might find other ways to cooperate in the gospel and support one another in the faith, building on the years of joint partnership that we have had. Thank you for the love you have shown through the consideration of me, and may the God of peace continue to bless you richly.
In the Love of Christ,
Barry York
