Godspeed and Semper fi, Grant Castleberry.

When the board asked me to serve as president of CBMW a year ago, there were a number of reasons why I agreed to serve. It wasn’t merely that I believed strongly in the mission of CBMW. Nor was it merely that I had a vision for what I wanted to do as president. One of the key factors was the man already serving as executive director—Grant Castleberry.

Today, Grant announced that he is resigning as executive director of CBMW. It is a testament to his character and commitment to CBMW that he tried to commit to stay on for at least two years as executive director once I came on board as president.  That he was willing to make such a commitment meant the world to me and to the staff that serves under him. Because I knew that God’s calling on his life was for pastoral ministry, I couldn’t let him make that commitment. I wanted him to have freedom to go if the right church came calling.

Grant is an exemplary leader and preacher. God’s gifting and call on his life is so evident that I knew then that it wouldn’t take two years for that opportunity to come. And that opportunity came this summer with an invitation to join the pastoral staff at Providence Church in Frisco, Texas. This is a wonderful, faithful church that is doing significant and important ministry in the Dallas area.  Grant’s exit is a big loss for CBMW, but it is great gain for Providence Church. While he will be sorely missed here, we cannot help but rejoice at the work that God has opened up before him in Texas.

Grant, thank you for these five faithful years that you and your family have given to CBMW. You have made an investment in us and in the truth of God’s word that will not be lost. Godspeed and Semper fi.

“For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you, and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” –Ephesians 1:15-17

[My favorite piece from Grant: “The Explosion in West Texas and Fatherhood”]