Rev. Jacky Gatliff Announces Retirement
Embracing a New Rhythm of Life
Don’t we long to hear God speak to us in ways that we know are really Him and not just our own hopeful thinking? That becomes even more important to us when we are about to make a decision that will change our course.
Rev. Jacky Gatliff with her fifth grandchild, Nealy Anne.
Moses changed his course after hearing God’s voice speak to him from a burning bush on an ordinary day. Elijah changed his course when he heard God speak to him in a low whisper outside a cave when he expected to hear Him speak in a way that was more grand.
The decision to change my own course did not come from hearing a voice in a bush or a low whisper outside a cave. It simply came after receiving the news that a fifth granddaughter was on her way. At that moment, I heard the invitation from God that ‘now’ is the time to step away from the familiar and satisfying to embrace a new rhythm of life that aligns with my heart’s desires.
Those desires are not new at all but have actually been stirring and growing for quite a while. It can best be described with the words of the prophet Ezekiel when he is given a vision of the new and glorious thing that God is doing. It is a promise-filled scene where Ezekiel is shown that as the water flows from the Temple into the Dead Sea, it becomes fresh and alive. The sure promise is that where this river flows, everything will live (Ezekiel 47:9).
Jacky, do you see this? Yes, I do. And the good news is that Mike does, too!
As we pivot into a new rhythm of life, we intend for our lives to be a life-giving river like that one. After decades of church ministry, we are excited to no longer be responsible for planting trees and organizing the water but rather to use our gifts and our own history in ministry to encourage and care for others as they bear fruit in their lives of faith and ministry.
My long-held passion for connecting, encouraging, and guiding the next generations of women ministry leaders has become even stronger, and ways are unfolding for me to do that in quiet ways. The ministry of New Hope Grief Care will continue as the opportunity to equip local churches to care for those who are grieving grows.
But the first place we want to step into the flowing river is with our own family. Our daughter, McCauley, and her husband, Tyler, live in Maryville, TN, with their daughters, Reagan and Madison. Our son, Cort, and his wife, Abby, live in Birmingham, AL, with their daughters, Eleanor and Ruthie, and the one that grabbed my attention, Nealy Anne. We plan to move to Chattanooga in 2025 to be closer to each family so that we can be involved in their lives in ways that will be life-giving (and fun) for all of us.
It will certainly be a transition for us to move from our busy lives of ministry to being available for important moments like birthday dinners and three-year-old ballet recitals. I am trusting that while there may be less of the public me, more of Jesus will be seen. We want to be a part of these fabulous girls' growing to know and love Him.
To the congregation of Christ Methodist Church: Thank you for letting me be with you during an incredible time in the life of this church.
To the Care Ministries team: Thank you for joining together to form a team where we have cared for one another as we have cared for this congregation.
To Pastor Paul: Thank you that I am able to complete this season of my ministry career with you as senior pastor as you have valued and respected me and my ministry.
We know that God is always, always writing a better story of our lives than we can write for ourselves. While I am heartsick to leave the staff and congregation of Christ Methodist Church, I do so fully convinced that there is much ahead for each of us in God’s kingdom, for “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
All glory to Him, both now and forever! Amen.
