The Rev. Rob Rynders, known as the founder of an innovative Phoenix urban congregation and a leader among young United Methodist clergy, astounded United Methodists Sept. 13 with the following post on Facebook. Rev. Rynders gave United Methodist Insight permission to reprint his announcement verbatim:
Rob Rynders
The Rev. Robert Rynders
"Friends, yesterday I was formally granted a voluntary leave of absence from ministry, for personal reasons. What does this mean? It means that I’m still an ordained United Methodist pastor; however, I’m choosing to step away from appointed ministry for an indefinite period of time. Nothing scandalous has happened, but after much prayerful consideration and consultation with my friends, family, and mentors, I realized it was time for a change. This was was one of the difficult decisions I've ever had to make in my life and I realize some people may be disappointed by it, but ultimately I had to do what was best for me and my family.
"Moving forward, I’ll be spending more time with my family, focusing on finishing writing a book, volunteering with some amazing non-profit organizations (Phoenix Community ToolBank, Valley Leadership, Be A Leader Foundation), and fulfilling my duties as chair of the Desert Southwest Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry.
" ... I have no idea what’s next but I also feel like a huge weight is finally off my shoulders and I’m experiencing true happiness for the first time in a very long time. I’m incredibly thankful for my wife, my family, friends, and all those who have supported me in this decision and were there when things were the most difficult. You know who you are. Please keep the Rynders family and all those who will be affected by this transition in your thoughts and prayers.
"Here’s to taking a flying leap into the unknown. Thank you all for being on this journey with me."
His leave takes effect on Oct. 1. Until then, Rev. Rynders serves as pastor of Sunrise UMC in Phoenix, according to a release from the Desert Southwest Annual Conference. He came to prominence in United Methodist circles through his self-named blog while he was campus minister at Arizona State University. He founded and was co-pastor of City Square Church in Phoenix, an innovative faith community in a downtown urban setting, prior to his appointment to Sunrise UMC.
In 2010 he founded the LEAD conferences, which focus on leadership skills and innovation for pastors and other church workers. The 2016 LEAD Conference is scheduled Jan 10-13 at Westwood UMC in Los Angeles. The movement can be followed through the collaborative blog UMCLEAD.
United Methodist Insight requested an interview with Rev. Rynders, but he replied that he isn't ready to discuss his decision publicly yet. He said that a fuller explanation of his decision might be forthcoming within a few months.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as coordinator of United Methodist Insight.