HEY FRIENDS I’d love to take a few minutes to share about some happenings going on in my world. As many of you know, I’ve been on a sabbatical since December. Taking this sabbatical was the result of my wife, Yahris, asking me to simply take a break - not because of any hidden sin or moral scandal or issues of that nature, but because I needed a true break to rest and heal.
You see, in August of last year, I had my first ever therapy appointment (I know… I’m a little late to the therapy game). In that first session, some serious trauma from my childhood came to the surface for the first time in my adult life. This discovery led to a flood of emotions and need for healing. So when Yahris encouraged me to take a break, she didn’t have to do much convincing. I needed a break to process all that had been revealed about my past and how that impacted my future.
The result of this inner work and rest has been extremely fruitful and I feel I have come out the other side much healthier and farther along on my journey of healing and wholeness. Thanks be to God.
During that time off, I also did a lot of praying, searching, wrestling, and dreaming about the next season. Ultimately, I tried to discern how to best steward the platform and influence God has given me.
When I recently returned from the sabbatical, it became apparent that my Dad (an overseer of the church) and I had different visions for the future of the church, or for my role in that vision. That said, Yahris and I have decided to transition out of our roles as Senior Pastor of Saints Church - allowing my parents to step back in and also allowing me, Yahris and the kids to step into a new season. A new season that is both exciting and unknown.
We love Saints Church with all of our hearts and are praying God’s best for the church and for all the beautiful people that call Saints Church home. Your best days are ahead.
Although I am still discerning all of what God has for me next, here’s what I do know: God has given me a platform to make His Name Known; and that story is just beginning in my life. For now, I am going to be serving some churches that are near and dear to my heart through preaching and teaching.
Although it’s the end of one chapter, I’m excited to see what He’s going to do as I turn the page into a new chapter. He has given me a new vision and message, and I’m excited to share it with the world in the days to come. I have developed a newfound respect of being trauma informed and being Spirit-filled. I believe that many people can identify with my story, and I hope they find encouragement in it.
With that being said, I ask that you would pray for me and my family - that He would give us further clarity to the vision and message buried deep in our hearts. To keep up-to-date with the latest happenings, please come back and visit chrisdurso.co.
LOVE YOU ALL!
CHRIS AND YAHRIS