Finally, there is some movement. I’ve been feeling stuck for so long…and now, it looks like things are starting to happen! In fact, in the past couple of week, things have started moving so quickly that I feel like it’s all a blur!
First of all, I was finally able to secure a new job! I will be working for Dignity Memorial, which is the largest network of funeral, cremation, and cemetery service providers in North America. I will be a Pre-arranged Funeral Counselor, which basically means I will be in sales. I will be meeting with people, helping them plan their future needs, and selling them funeral services. It is a job that takes a person who has experience dealing with delicate situations but who can also sell a product. It isn’t necessarily the type of job that I set out for but it has fallen into my lap and it will provide the opportunity for things to get moving in my life. And the nice benefit is that I have the potential to make more money than I have ever made before! Before I am able to start the job, I have to take some online courses, get licensed, and go through the company training program. So I won’t be in a position to make a living at it until January.
Because this was all happening, I ended up resigning from my church job last week. I was planning on staying on staff through the end of the year but the senior pastor likes to move people on quickly. So two days ago, I found out that my last day will be November 30! Talk about quick!!! I’m being paid through the beginning of January…just not working after the end of November. Honestly, this doesn’t bother me at all as I’ll be able to focus on getting everything in order for the new job. It just means that things are moving very quickly this week and next as I am telling people in the church that I am leaving and getting things ready to transition. It is a very bittersweet process because I am very relationally connected with many people at the church and on the church staff. I will miss seeing everyone regularly. But as I have been telling people, I’m not moving…I’m still around…so we can continue to get together.
At least that is my plan now. We’ll see what happens with some of those relationships once I finally “come out”!
Other things are going on. I’ll be posting more regularly now!
A Pastor's Journey Out of the Closet... 
That’s very exciting news! Congratulations on this big step in your journey and best wishes for your next steps.
I knew it was going to work out somehow. Prayers ascending during your transition.
wow! Finally! That will be such a big burden off your shoulders. Just a word of caution, I still wouldn’t come out until you’re off the church payroll completely. I know that’s a few more months but I wouldn’t put it past an institution purportedly representing Jesus to re-nig on their agreement to continue paying you if they found out you’re gay! Still, in a few more months this period of your life will be behind you and you can focus on getting healthy!
I’ve stumbled on your blog by chance. I’ve been incredibly moved by your writing and I’ve just subscribed to your blog. I just wanted to encourage you; I know things are not easy and I really feel for you. I like to think that God gives us opportunities to grow, and though I don’t know you I feel that this struggle is pushing you to become true. Being true has become a vastly underrated qualiy in this life. What you are doing is hard, but oftentimes the most difficult road is also the best one.
My thoughts are with you and your family. May you never give up the hope to have a better relationship with your children. May your family get to appreciate who the “true” you is.
I found that I had to walk away from the Christian religion and the church (the Roman catholic one) to find God. Sometimes I miss belonging to a spiritual family. I’m interested to see how your new ministry and church will evolve. So I will keep reading 🙂
I am happy to hear about progress on the job front. In terms of your son, do not underestimate his ability to “figure things out.” Throughout my coming out saga, it was my youngest child who turned out to be my living saving anchor. She never wavered while the older two seemed more buffeted about by the comments and views of others. I’m back on wonderful terms with all three now, But feeling that you are hurting your children is so terrible and heart wrenching. Please stay strong. Drop me a line if you ever want to chat.