This summer, Vivien, Todd and I took some time to think through my current job, strengths, future plans and joys and came to the conclusion that a change was needed. This is a very bittersweet transition for us, but I am very excited about this change and the opportunities it presents. Looking back, while there were several stressful/difficult conversations, this has been a great time of growth and excitement in our marriage. Read on for more details if you wish!
Why Change?
Before I even talk through the timeline of events or the end result, I do want to say a few things about my previous position with Young Life:
- I have never worked for or with a better group of people in my life. If I had things my way, I would bring everyone from Richardson Area Young Life along with me wherever I go. Even though that won’t happen, I am very excited to stay in Dallas and continue to grow the relationships we have formed over the past several years with Young Life.
- I love the mission of Young Life, especially the way I have seen it played out in Richardson. I plan to continue being involved in one way or another as long as we are around.
That being said, Vivien and I have never thought of Young Life as the job I was cut out for. Starting in late May, we were given the freedom to take some time to think through what I would be excited about pursuing, and the confidence to know that WyldLife would be left in good hands if I were too leave.
Narrowing the Search
It was not always clear what position I was looking for, but after talking things through with Vivien, we began getting excited about two paths. One was returning to a Teaching career, and the other was pursuing Pastoral ministry. After meeting with several pastors at The Village, we became even more excited about the idea of pursuing a full-time teaching job and looking for opportunities to gain Pastoral experience on the side. As a result of some of these meetings, I was forwarded an email from Coram Deo Academy about a part-time 8th History & Bible position. Even though it was part-time, we decided it was worthwhile to apply. Decision. Of. The. Year.
The Perfect Fit
The day before I went in for a formal interview, I took part in a phone interview where I mentioned my desire to land a full-time job. At the time there seemed to only be a part-time opening, but we decided that it was best to go forward with the interview either way. The next morning, towards the end of the actual interview, I was presented with a plan the hiring committee put together to provide a full-time position for me. Later in the interview I was told more about the school’s great philosophy, schedule and academic reputation. In a nutshell, here is what I will be doing:
- Teach 8th Grade History & Bible, 7th Grade Life Science and 12th Grade Apologetics
- Coram Deo is on a college schedule, with class sessions each meeting twice a week
- I will only be teaching Monday-Thursday
What Will I do with Fridays?
Several things, but I am especially excited about:
- Working more with Vivien Ly Designs
- Studying towards my M.A.R. at RTS
- Serving with a pastor/department at The Village Church
- Creating fun side projects like the Nicene Creed Devo
- Toying with things I enjoy (WordPress, Illustrator, etc)
- Visiting my wife and friends!
- Pursuing speaking opportunities
So that’s where we are right now. I finish officially with Young Life on July 31st and start reporting to Coram Deo in early August. Thanks so much for all the prayers, ideas and encouragement along the way, Viv and I both appreciate you guys!
That’s really exciting Jon! No doubt you will be an excellent teacher at every level.
Coram Deo looks very interesting. I am sure you will enjoy the experience.
Blessings
Jason
Jon -
Kudos to you & Viv on your new journey! Keep me posted and if you’re ever in Katy let’s hook up!
Congrats man! That’s great news. Definitely sounds like a perfect fit. Will be praying for you as you transition!
DUDE! That’s great, I’m pumped for you and I know this is the right path. Can’t wait to hear more details when you get back in town. Haven’t been to the Saucer with you in a while… Man date?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Your plans sound great, Jon! Keep trusting Him!
That is awesome Jon! Sounds like a great fit for you. Just wanted to thank you and Viv for all your time and effort you guys put into Richardson YL and Wyldlife! We cannot thank you enough for pouring into kids lives in the Richardson area. You will be missed! Stay in touch!
You know Tristan teaches 12th grade apologetics? Collaboration section of your website
Ok, as a joke I put “Collaboration section of your website” in html link tags, and apparently your blog didn’t get that I was joking, so now my joke is invisible.
Without the tuition assistance from YL is there any reason not to transfer to DTS?
I have really loved RTS and I think I’ll finish out for a few reasons:
1. Since I’m teaching full-time the distance & intensive model let’s me continue taking 9hrs a quarter.
2. I’ll be 30hrs into the 68hr program at the end of this quarter and many of those wouldn’t transfer.
3. I’m not a fan of any of the 60 hour programs at DTS and don’t think a part-time ThM is the best fit right now.
4. My school, especially the headmaster, loves that I’m at RTS and is looking into ways to make up the cost difference.
But who knows, I would love to take a class or two that transfers, especially from one of your boys in the Church History department!
Jon! Chad and I are so excited for you!! We are praying for you as school starts. And, when you say more time to visit friends, could that mean coming to Denver??
Jon – my prayer for you from the time you were born was that God would guide you into a full-time ministry/pastoral position. God does indeed answer prayers! My continued prayers are always with you and our sweet Vivien that you would both continue lead the life God planned for you. Keep trusting God and He will guide you into his paths. I’m glad you’re my son.
Jon – my prayer for you from the time you were born was that God would guide you into a full-time ministry/pastoral position. God does indeed answer prayers! My continued prayers are always with you and our sweet Vivien that you would both continue to lead the life God planned for you. Keep trusting God and He will guide you into his paths. I’m glad you’re my son.