Last night with some of our favorite people in the world, Tessa and I shared an announcement:

Restoration Family,

For the last 12 years I have called Restoration Church my home church. This is where I grew up. This is where I accepted Jesus. This is where I received my call to ministry… For the last 6 years I have served on staff at Restoration as one of your pastors.

Through the years I have grown as a person, a pastor, a husband, and a follower Christ. I have put blood, sweat & tears into all that our church has done in the last 6 years and I wouldn’t trade it for a moment.

But like all good things— eventually they come to an end.

And today, I announce that I have resigned from my pastoral duties at Restoration Church. Effective December 24, 2022.

Please know that this decision does not come hastily or out of spite. This is a decision that Tessa and I have been praying about for a long time. Our love for Restoration runs deep. Through every volunteer we work with, every friend we’ve made, every service we’ve coordinated and sermon I’ve preached, please know that we gave you our all.

I also want you to know my appreciation and love for Pastor Paul and the leadership of Restoration. Thank you for taking a chance on a 20 year old kid & developing him for 5 years. Thank you Pastor Paul for the hours you’ve spent mentoring & teaching me. Thank you for the grace you’ve shown me & friendship you’ve given me.

Thank you to Pastor Dave. I’ve always called you “my pastor”… you have been like a 2nd dad to me for my entire Christian walk and I will be grateful for you forever. Thank you for leading me to the Lord, seeing the call on my life, and acting on it.

Thank you to every person I’ve had the honor of working with on staff. You guys have become life long friends that I will always be thankful for.

Thank you to every ministry leader & volunteer I’ve gotten to serve along side— I wish I could name you all, but that list would incredibly long… you know who you are and I have always done my best to let you know how thankful I am for you.

Thank you to the incredible students of YTH. You guys have made these last 2 1/2 years worth every second. You are an incredible group with incredible passion. It’s been an honor being your pastor.

Thank you to my family for supporting me & encouraging me to listen to the call of God on my life. And supporting me during this life changing decision.

Thank you to my wonderful wife who stands right beside me and supports me every step of the way. You are my rock, my best friend, and my biggest supporter. I can’t wait to see where God takes us.

And finally, thank you Restoration Family. Thank you for bringing me in, allowing me to grow, accepting me when I failed, cheering me on when I succeeded, and giving me grace when I needed it (which is often).

I will forever love this church & these people. My life is forever changed because of this place.

Onto what’s next…

With love,

Pastor Andy Davenport