Saying Goodbye to Oak Leaf :(
for the last year I have worked full-time with some of the most gifted and inspiring people I have ever known. The friends and “family” I have made being on staff at a church far surpasses my experiences on staff at a school and traveling around play in all sorts of churches.
it’s one of those things you never thought you’d be doing when you grow up. I never dreamed i’d be a pastor. I never dreamed I would be ministering to adults or be a “music minister” on staff somewhere. And now that is all I ever want to do. worship with, lead with, pray with, pray for, care for. mentor, teach, comfort, excite, ignite,…all while pushing them towards the eternal grace and redeeming love of Jesus Christ.
It is my new passion. and using music to help guide the people I am around into a more concrete and authentic relationship with Jesus Christ makes it that much more enjoyable. Maybe one day i’ll actually have to opportunity to actually be a pastor pastor. who knows? For now, i’m proud to just be a worship pastor at one of the coolest churches in Georgia.
That is, however, until Feb 5 when I will be stepping down as the worship pastor of Oak Leaf and moving onto to something new and more exciting. Not sure what that is yet but i’m excited to find out. And even more excited to know God has prepared my heart for bigger and better things than I ever imagined possible.
for all the oak leafeans out there who stop by here from time to time. I love you all. i will miss singing with you. but i’ll be around so make sure i get a hug. for my production team peeps (marshmallow puffy candy treats), you made me who i am. i could have never accomplished anything if it was not for your diligent servant leadership and devotion to the mission and ministry of Oak Leaf. and for all you church planters out there that read my blog hoping i’ll eventually post something worth reading about church production or worship, stick around. I might still have a few surprises up my sleeve.
so…i hope to still see your comments here and you choose to stay caught up with what god has in store next. It might just blow your mind!!!
Hey Will I belive God has a BIG suprise for you! I wish you well in whatever God has in store for you! Thanks for being a good friend!
Bo
you rock :)
i love new adventures, so even though i’m sad to see you (and your freakin’ awesome family) go, i’m totally stoked for whatever is coming your way! God has got to have some pretty awesome stuff in store for you guys.
asf
Hey, I love Peeps! They are my favorite. You will never know how much your friendship means to me brother. You are a true friend, awesome leader, wonderful story teller, and AMAZING artist! We still have to drive to Hawaii together! hahaha
If you ever need event help, you know that I am only a phone call away!
Will,
You mean alot to me and my family, more than you know, maybe even more than I knew! You have made a huge impact on me…Through your music, through our talks, through your leadership, and through your example. You are a truly AMAZING person! My life is forever blessed for knowing you. And while the selfish nature in me would love for you to stick around the Leaf so I could continue to get to know you better, I know that our Awesome God must have something truly great in store for you and your family! I can’t wait to see what it is!! Your beautiful bride, Jamie has profoundly impacted Steph! She taught her that it is okay to open up to new friendships again! I pray that they can remain forever close. Jamie means ALOT and I do mean ALOT to Steph! We will continue to pray for you guys and hope all the very best for you!!
I truly love you and your family. Thank you for being my friend.
Dude,
You’re so rad. God is going to hook you up with something so perfectly awesome for you.
You got my prayers.
Will,
Even though you do not know me, I am a Leafer. I wanted to tell you that you will be missed and it saddens me. It is like losing a family member but I know God has great things in store for you and your family. Your worship ministry made a difference in my life. From the first day I came to the Leaf, your music moved my soul. I cannot begin to explain how your songs and music effect me. But I do know that I hear and feel the Lords words in all of them and for that I am truly grateful. Your music is truly inspirational and a gift from God. It lifts me up so I can be closer to Him.
Kathy
Will,
When I first read this, I cried. I remember when I thought you were famous. I remember when you sang ” Relentless Pursuit” for the first time at Impact. I remember when you came into Cartersville for a See You at the Pole rally and I was ecstatic.Then I remember the first time I walked into Oak Leafs doors and heard your voice. You have helped me grown, you’ve taught me things even when you didn’t know it, and you’ve became a part of my family. Your family is a blessing to me. From seeing Ean accept Christ to being baptized and knowing that I was able to help in that by serving in the City blows me away.
God is doing great things with your family and He will continue to bless you. From being a student who was touched 4 years ago by your music, to a partner of Oak Leaf it has been a blessing to be lead by you. I’ve seen the lives you’ve changed and I know there are more to come. I’m praying for you and your family . Keep in touch.
Kaela
[...] February 5 will be Will’s last day with us. I know lots of people will be looking for the scandal, but there isn’t one. It’s just one of those things. God’s timing. Part of the master plan that we don’t get to fully see. The mysterious part of God’s will. Will is leaving on good terms, and I will offer nothing but recommendations to anyone and everyone. [...]
Will… what sucks to me is I’m just really getting a chance to meet you and I’ve been a fan since a great person put “More of You” in my hands. I know I’ve told you before but for the sake of those who do not have this album… It will simply strengthen your relationship with Christ. You perfectly express the love we have for our God and the love He has for us. By the way When Stephanie and I get married “Just Enough” is our first dance. I pray that God continues to bless his self through you.
Will,
I just got sick at my stomach when I read Michael’s blog this morning saying you were leaving. You are a big part of the leaf and are truly going to be missed exspecially by my family we all think you rock. Everyone always talks about the music at Oak Leaf is so good you have to come and here it. I think you are a lot of the reason people visit for the first time at the leaf. You are a special person and we wish you would change your mind.
We love you. God Bless!
The Hardin family
By the way…. AIRBORNE!!!! RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!!
I am so sad right now. My huband and I walk into the service hoping we have chosen the one you will be doing the music for each Sunday. You will be missed by so many. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God Bless.
Your music has played a huge part in my relationship with Christ the last two years. I listen to your CD full blast in the car and I can feel the presence of God. Even though I have personally never met you, I am going to feel a little empty on Sunday morning without you. I hope you have taught Matt how to sing Relentless Pursuit just like you do. I wish the very best for you and your family.
I know God has bigger plans for your life. You have touched so many at Oak Leaf and I for one am proud you passed through my life. May you be blessed in the future as you have blessed so many here.
Will, Jamie, Ean, and Spencer,
My heart is heavy as i found out that you will no longer be at OLC. My husband has never liked music in any of the churches that we’ve attended and you made a big impression on him at the first service we ever attended at OLC. Even though we are no longer there, I truly hate to see OLC lose such a talented and godly man and his amazing family. You will be greatly missed by all who know you. You and Jamie have done an amazing job at OLC and i’ve loved watching you raise your boys as well – you are a great family man and Jamie is so very lucky to have a husband that is also a man of God as are Ean and Spencer. If you all ever need anything, please just let me know. Trust God as you go forward and you’ll always be taken care of.
Will,
The first time I heard any of your music was at Super Wow 2006. Imagine my surprise when I go into this new church and you are leading worship. I can’t tell you how many times ‘So Deep’ has set me on my knees to ask God to be that close, to be so deep in love that nothing else matters. It’s one of my all time favorite songs.
I know that God has already blessed your family, and he has amazing things coming up for you too. I can’t wait to see how God uses you from here. I hope that one day God can use me in one thenth of the way he has used you.