So Long, Farewell, Etc., Etc.

A few weeks ago, I was surprised when I received an email from Typepad (a blog hosting service), which has been this blog’s original home since the late 2000s (and has been reposted here on the HW website), that it would permanently shut down the service at the end of September.

Still, I understand the company’s decision. In the ever-evolving world of technology and content platforms, the simple and humble blog, once the Internet standard for delivering written content, has lurched past its expiration date.

And speaking of which, dear reader, the same applies to me, at least career-wise. Perhaps you, too, will join me in thinking it’s no cosmic coincidence that Typepad’s announcement coincided with my employer HomeWord’s decision to say, “So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu” to yours truly, also at the end of September.

It was a fabulous 27+ year career run for me at HomeWord, uhm, er, National Institute of Youth Ministry (1998), YouthBuilders (200o), HomeWord (2004), Confident Parenting (2008), HomeWord Center for Youth and Family at Azusa Pacific University (2008), and (once again) HomeWord (2018).

From coaching, mentoring, and training youth pastors and youth leaders in and around New England, to presenting seminars around the country, to writing articles and small group curriculum associated with Jim Burns’ new books, to researching youth culture and reporting on such, to learning social media and mass marketing email ropes, my roles in helping HomeWord to pursue its gospel-focused-mission have been varied, challenging, and, in recent years, incredibly banal.

And those last few words describe why it is now the perfect time for me to hang up my cleats and head to the locker room for good. No regrets. No hard feelings. No sad goodbyes. In God’s perfect timing, now is the time for me to retire. For crying out loud, I’m hitting 65 in two months! That said, I won’t sit on a couch and watch TV from here on out. I’ll figure out new ways to be of service in God’s kingdom.

It was the honor and highlight of my career to be invited into this almost three-decade journey in Jesus-focused ministry by my friend, Jim Burns. I will always be grateful to him for his partnership, leadership, and friendship. And I must offer a special shoutout to my dear friends and colleagues, Cindy Ward and Lynn Juilusson at the HW mothership, who provided much support and comic relief over the years. I trust that I was able to return the favor. I will ever be thankful to them and for them.

I wish the team at HomeWord, now led by President Marcius Preciado, all of God’s blessings and much success in the future as they carry on HomeWord’s mission to the glory of God.

It’s been fun. Farewell.
Jim Liebelt

Soli Deo Gloria