Tim Armstrong is and has been one of my best friends for over 15 years! If there is anyone who knows me, my personality, my leadership style, the ups and downs of my life – it would be Tim. I can remember sitting down with him over 11 years ago and saying, “Tim, I am going to start a new church and I want you to do the music.” And the music at Meadow today is largely due to Tim’s leadership and influence. I can remember times when he has been a great encouragement to me both personally and professionally.
However, a few weeks ago, we met and decided it was time to end our church ministry relationship. (Emphasis on “church ministry” as our relationship will continue.) This was a difficult decision and one that both Tim & I knew was inevitable.
Tim and I both are absolutely in love with Jesus. We both love HIS church. We both want to see people discover and enter into a refreshing relationship with Christ. We both believe passionately in the role of music and the arts in ministry. However, over the past few years, our approach to leadership, methodology, and the strategy to accomplish our vision have been drifting in different directions. And different means just that … “different”. It doesn’t mean right vs. wrong, inferior vs. superior, or strong vs. weak. (And anyone who implies “different” means something else is only trying to create division in Christ’s church.)
Tim and I are not mad at each other (although you still won’t find me hugging him!) Our friendship will continue. I even envision inviting him in occasionally to be our honored guest worship leader.
I know some of you are thinking, “Okay – but what REALLY happened?” Ummm…nothing else. And if you have doubts – just ask Tim or me. However, you won’t hear anything other than what you heard from Tim on Sunday and are reading here.
I would ask that you pray for Tim, Patti, and the girls as they take the next step in their journey of serving Christ. Also pray for Meadow and our leadership as we do the same. Please understand that we are committed to a strong and excellent music ministry and have no intention of pursuing anything but the absolute best. Plans are already in play to seek a worship leader who will join our Meadow staff and family and take our music to levels yet to be experienced.
God’s kingdom will grow because of this. Meadow will grow because of this. Tim and his family will grow and be stronger because of this. Their best days are ahead of them, and Meadow’s best days are ahead. I can’t wait to see and experience what God has in store for them and for us!
Here is the audio of Tim's announcement today...