Time To Diversify

Well, we've finally arrived in the greater Portland metropolitan area. We're in temporary housing until the end of March. My wife's job doesn't start for over a week, so we're playing tourist now. I'm not going to fill this blog with personal information. If you are interested in following our West Coast adventures, check out our new family blog at reedsinoregon.blogspot.com. Right now there are just a few camera phone pictures. Soon, there will be all sorts of juicy details regarding our adventures.

Don't worry, I'll keep posting here. Even though Portland is one of the most unchurched areas in the country, I'm sure I'll still find myself immersed in evangelical Christian subculture. I can never seem to completely leave it behind.

Go West Young Man

Well, those of you who thought I would be a terrible pastor can throw your hands up in celebration. I am leaving seminary. Basically, it just wasn’t a good fit. In the words of Donald Miller, “It [is] hard for me to go to church without getting angry…” (Blue Like Jazz, p. 133) While some would argue that makes me the perfect candidate to become a pastor, I would disagree.

Withdrawing from my classes at Bethel Seminary was one of the most freeing experiences of my life. That is not meant as a dig at Bethel. It’s a great place with some amazing professors who have all challenged me, my faith, and my worldview. It was just time to move.

It’s amazing what happens when you’re willing to let go of things. Since I made the decision to move on, my wife began talking to an old boss of hers who had relocated to Portland, Oregon. To make a long story short, before you know it, my wife is getting an amazing job offer in Portland. (My wife works in public relations and is damn good at what she does.)

Some people would be scared to uproot and move their lives to the West Coast, to a city where we know one family. We’re not. Ok, we’re scared, but I think we both need this. I needed a fresh start. I was going to be looking for a full-time job, and Portland is just as good a place as Minneapolis to find that start. And my wife hates the long Minnesota winters more than I do.

So lookout West Coast, here I come. If you live in the greater Portland metro area and you want to 1) be my friend 2) be my therapist 3) tell me about your church or 4) offer me a job, shoot me an e-mail.