It's The End Of An Era!

Over the last week or so I've wrestled back and forth with whether or not I wanted to post a blog about the end of an era at The Well, and I'd been leaning toward not posting anything. I finally decided that the compromise would be that I would post the letter I sent out to all our regular attendees and friends so that you can get a direct sense from me as to what's going on as opposed to second-hand information, since, just like second-hand smoke, second-hand info can kill.


June 1, 2009


Dear CATWeller and Friends,

Yesterday was arguably one of the most difficult days of my life, yet one of the most inspiring and positive. We had an amazing service! The worship was so powerful and engaging, and the atmosphere was saturated with the presence of God. Sadly, it is with much regret that I inform you that it was the final service of The Well as we’ve known it. Now this may come as a bit of a shock to many of you, especially since, to all intents and purposes our church is growing and we are healthy and connected.

You see, over the last few weeks I’ve been wrestling with this decision for a number of reasons, not the least of which is my family’s wellbeing. The last three years have been at once the most incredible yet the most difficult journey of our lives, but we wouldn’t trade them for anything. I have personally grown in ways that I didn’t know were possible, and my kids have become stronger and more committed followers of Jesus because of our experiences. Sola has allowed her love for women to come to the fore and she has really shined as she has poured her heart and soul into “Thinking Pink.” I honestly can’t thank you enough for trusting me as your pastor and committing yourself to the journey. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we made a great community of faith, and I was truly inspired by the authenticity, friendliness, love, and heart of service that I saw constantly demonstrated in you and the rest of our amazing church family.

I must admit though that I am sad because of the relationships that I won’t get to nurture each and every Sunday, but I’m thrilled at the growth in maturity and leadership that you’ve shown over the times we’ve spent together seeking truth from God’s word. I’m convinced that because of your encounter with Jesus at The Well, you’ll do well (pun intended). God has something greater in store for all of us even though it may not seem like that at the present time. My family and I don’t know what God has in store for us next, but we know that whatever it is, it will be the next step in the journey toward fulfilling our destiny. After all, The Well is where your destiny begins! Our family will be remaining in the area for the month of June, and on the 24th we get to drop our son off at college at USF. Sola and I only have six more years before our youngest child goes off to college too, and so we want to be sure to give everything we can to enjoying our time with them.

As we seek for the next step in our journey we realize that it may well take us to any part of the U.S. (or the globe for that matter), and so while we’re still here in Central Florida we’d like to spend time hanging out with you too, so please don’t be a stranger. Call us up whenever you want, and if you need a Thompson fix then drop by and play a game of “Mad Gab” or “Balderdash” with us. I’d like to leave you with these powerful words that I’ve always spoken over you from the Scriptures in Isaiah 60:1… “Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

I love and deeply appreciate you always.

In His Grip
Joseph