My dear friend, how do we begin?
As they say – it’s the end of an era. The only good way to rip off this Band-Aid is to say that God has told me it is time to pass the baton as the Director of Greater Things.
I could talk about all of the things that we’ve accomplished together. I could talk about how grateful I am for all that God has done through His mandate to encounter Jesus, elevate women, embrace co-heir, and expand the kingdom.
But this letter is personal. I decided to spare you my handwriting and instead type it out. Please understand, even though this is going to all of you, it’s still deeply close to my heart.
A Mother’s Heart
I didn’t start this ministry journey as a spiritual mother.
I started out as a lovesick woman who wanted to do whatever her God said to do.
I was terrified in the beginning, and still am sometimes.
I was rough around the edges, raw in my speaking, and often offensive.
I still am sometimes. Smile.
What changed over the years is the flow with the Spirit of God. I went from a quaking, obedient daughter to realizing I was simply made to be a lover of Jesus. I could flow with God as He rescued, restored, and released his people into freedom and fullness.
Here we are, decades later, and I stand amazed by God’s crazy outpourings since 2003: small groups, Women Getting Real, Greater Things, New Wine Church, all the events and classes. I tell you, getting to be on the front lines and watch people fall in love with the living God has been one of my greatest delights. I was changed by it all too.
Maybe it was waking up in the middle of the night praying for my tribe whether they were near or far, old or new.
Maybe it was seeking God’s heart for what to bring to the events and classes.
Maybe it was challenging people to keep moving toward the Lord, to listen to his Spirit, to keep believing against all odds.
Maybe it was in those moments that God birthed a mother’s heart in me for this beautiful community.
Let me clarify. I know that the relationships vary between peer, friend, mentor, teacher, etc. However, I find now in leaving GT, the best way to describe my gut-wrenching feelings is that of a mother’s ache and groan.
It helps that I’ve learned how to raise and launch my own children. I can reflect on what I did well and did wrong and receive grace for it all. I can recognize they are God’s children and He will carry them. I can embrace the reality that the relationship with my adult children will be radically different than when they were in my house. The same is true with those in the GT House, or history.
Like my natural children, my spiritual “children” are also deeply planted in my heart forever. I can testify to John’s words in 3 John 4. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
So, wow. What’s next?
I will be transitioning out of a leadership role this summer. God very clearly appointed Emily Delape as the next Director of Greater Things and she will join an incredibly powerful and anointed leadership team that includes Melissa Langford, Lindsey Hickman, Anna Moore, and Robin Leiser. Also, Laura Collins who is on sabbatical.
We are praying and listening for all God is doing in the new season. Rest assured that God has equipped many voices and leaders within GT to sing His song, women and men. Now is their time.
Will I ever teach in TN in the future? As the Lord wills, and I am invited. Wink.
What will I be doing next? I know that God moved me to Florida for a reason. My calling remains but in a different region. He recently gave me a word that “things grow differently in sand.” So in short, I am NOT sitting on the dock of the bay, wasting time…
Please attend.
We are having a Decade of Devotion Celebration on July 10, 7:00—9:00 at the GT House. Chuck and I would love to hug your neck and praise God for all He has done. We will worship and pray for the Spicka’s new assignment and for Emily and the team in this new season of Greater Things. The Lord has given me whispers that the latter house of GT will be greater than the former house. It is my soul’s desire.
Thank you.
You have been a faithful supporter of Greater Things. In finances, prayers, serving, mentoring, volunteering — simply believing in the vision and mission of GT. I have said it so many times and it is still true. We are deeply rooted and connected in Christ and that carries across seasons, years and miles. We need each other to do what we do, to be who God has called us to be. Thank you for the big and small ways you have walked with me and GT.
The Lord sees your heart and sacrifice and will reward it. I see your heart and investment and I am humbled by your love and support. Truly, thank you. And…there is more harvest to come! Let’s all keep investing in this important work.
May this beautiful tree planted by God in Greater Things continue to grow so that more people may be nourished by revelation and community and be rooted in their sincere love for God.
May our Great and Beautiful God get all the glory. May He get the glory for every drop of precious oil and devotion we have poured on His feet. He alone is worthy.
You are forever in my heart,
Jana