Dear Lifehouse

A Letter From Pastor Tony

Lifehouse friends…

I am writing to you with a heavy heart. To get it out there right up front, after much prayer and discernment, I have accepted the position as Lead Pastor at 2|42 Community Church. After August I will no longer be the Lead Pastor at Lifehouse.

I know that this news may stir up all kinds of emotions for you and every single emotion you may have is valid. I myself have been wrestling through each and every emotion myself. You must know that I was not looking to leave Lifehouse. I love this church and I love each of you. Serving Lifehouse Church has been the greatest joy of my ministry. To leave that behind is not only heartbreaking…but also terrifying. However, we believe God has called us to be obedient by taking this step. So, we must do exactly that.

Being a part of the United Methodist Church means you must also know a couple other things. First, this was my decision. The Bishop did not move me. I made this decision after much prayer and many tears. Second, I am not leaving to get away from the UMC or from anything else. This is 100% a decision to be obedient and sometimes obedience is painful.

There will be time over the next couple of months to continue grieving and say our goodbyes. It has been a joy to serve you all and I will continue to do exactly that until I walk out of the Lifehouse doors for the last time.

Thank you for being such an amazing church and such loving people. It is a honor to be able to say that I have had the distinct privilege to serve this church.

Tony Johnson

A Letter From Abby Tigulis | Lifeboard Chair

While we are excited for the ways God is going to use the Johnson family to grow His Kingdom in Michigan, I’m sure there is sadness about them leaving. Over the past 5 years, Tony, Melissa, Maggie, Canaan and Jael have been not just our pastor & his family, but our camping buddies, our dinner guests, our classmates, kids playmates, and our friends. We know they aren’t moving because of the District Supt, the Bishop, or even the United Methodist church, but instead because God has called them to something new. While we will miss them dearly, there is great joy in seeing people of God following God’s call on their lives!! 

There is also probably a whole lot of uncertainty as to what that means for us here at Lifehouse. The good news for Lifehouse is two-fold...One, and most importantly, God is in control. We know that He is already preparing the one He has called to fill this position at Lifehouse. And doesn't that give us confidence and excitement for the future. Secondly, Lifeboard has a plan!! We’ve already met with the District Supt and discussed next steps. We are moving forward rapidly, but we also aren’t going to rush it...we are leaving room & time for the Holy Spirit to work. We want someone who believes and lives out our core values, who understands our culture, who wants people to be fully alive in Christ and to develop 3C Christ followers AND who brings their own passions, strengths, and vision to Lifehouse. While it might seem like a daunting task to find someone who fits this, I know that God is already at work and that gives me great joy. 

We will keep you informed along the way through a variety of ways like updates on Sunday mornings, emails, and newsletters. We want to be as transparent as possible about this process, so please if you have questions or concerns, please, see a Lifeboard member (Malea Kruse, Tim Grossman, David VanGilder, Mike Muter, Missie Ritonya, Dan Weirch, or myself) or send an email to Lifeboard@Lifehousefw.com. We encourage you to pray!! Pray for the Johnson family and their next steps of moving, new home, new school, and new job. Also, pray for our next steps of Lifehouse. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in our Lifeboard and staff in the  decisions to be made. God is in control. 

Romans 8:28, one of my favorite verses says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I truly believe this...God is working for good in the Johnson family and He’s also working for good here at Lifehouse. Go in that peace.