12/2/2020
Dear Heritage Family,
After seeking the Lord's will through much prayer and soul-searching; I have come to the conclusion that my time as Pastor of Heritage Baptist Church has come to an end. While there are many things I love about Heritage and the Lake Charles area; I have known for some time that we would eventually go back home to Oklahoma. That time has arrived. My last Sunday will be January 3, 2021.
Beginning in March 2020; I felt strongly that my service at Heritage was coming to an end. But of course, these decisions are not entered lightly; and through prayer and life's circumstances, I believe God has confirmed what His plan for me is. On March 3, Heritage celebrated its 50th anniversary, and I had a strong feeling that I had accomplished what God intended for me to do in the life of the church. Don McKinney pastored Heritage for almost 40 years. I have pastored it for 10 years; and now seems like a good time for Heritage to transition to the next phase of ministry. And for the Kastlers to transition back to Oklahoma, where I hope to service the Lord in other ways and do a better job of being there for my family. These moments are always “bittersweet.” While we will miss the friends we made in Lake Charles; we also long to be back home and to re-connect with the extended family that we've been away from for 20 years. I believe that God has good things in store, both for Heritage and for us; and I am eager to see what He does.
While it goes without saying that 2020 has been an extremely challenging year for everyone; some of the circumstances in my life confirmed what I already knew deep down. It is time for me to stop being a pastor; and serve the Lord in other ways. Some of the circumstances that have led to this decision are as follows:
1. The COVID situation has been very stressful for all. Though I still stand by my decision to continue worshipping in spite of government mandates. As I look upon the political landscape in the coming days; I will most likely feel compelled to speak out on issues that I know many church folks would not be comfortable with me addressing. But I have to say what I feel needs to be said; and I cannot do that as Pastor of Heritage Baptist Church.
2. In June, my daughter had a 4-day hospital stay. I almost resigned at the time; due to the emotional turmoil her situation created for me and my family. My other kids also need my attention in numerous ways at this critical juncture in their lives. And the fact is that I do not have the emotional energy to devote to both my family and the church. The church deserves a Pastor who can be more available to minister to the people. And at this time in life; I need to be more fully devoted to ministering to my family. For if I fail to do that, I'm not Biblically qualified to be a Pastor anyway.
3. August brought Hurricane Laura, which really had no factor in my decision. While it was a miserable time for all of Lake Charles, I was glad to be able to serve the community and guide the church through those disastrous days.
4. September brought Erin's heart attack. This probably shook me as much as anything I've ever faced. While I know our days are in God's hands, I was forced to confront the fact that sometimes young, healthy people die. And in 3 months time I could have easily lost both my daughter and my wife. Thankfully, God has been merciful to us. But the soul-searching I did during that time enflamed my desire to be closer to our family in Oklahoma. We've always wanted to move home and be able to spend some quality time with our aging parents, who need our help now more than ever. But the health issues with my daughter and my wife reminded me that sometimes it's not the elderly who pass on first. Sometimes it's the younger ones. Either way, we miss our family and want to be near them.
5. October brought yet another hurricane; and further damage to our house. Again, this didn't really factor much in my decision; other than confirm that it was time for us to go back home. People who aren't from Lake Charles sometimes wonder why you would live so close to the Gulf Coast in light of the hurricane threat. My answer to those people is that Lake Charles is their home; and most people have a deep longing for home and family; no matter what potential dangers may exist. Oklahoma is known as “Tornado Alley” but it is our home. And we likewise have a deep longing to be there with our family.
6. My youngest daughter will begin High School in the fall, and I would like for her to be able to start and finish at the same school if possible. Our move will allow her to attend the same High School her mother attended; where she also has cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents who attended. I look forward to giving her the same opportunity to attend there.
7. From a ministerial perspective, I still believe that God has equipped me to preach and teach in the church and will continue to do this as the Lord opens doors. I just cannot commit to the additional duties that a Pastor needs to be able to do. For the last few years I have also felt more of a yearning to share the gospel with unbelievers; rather than primarily discipling believers. By taking a job in the “secular world” I hope to be a light in the darkness; and be a Christlike example to my co-workers. Although many folks don't know this, I have a degree in Electromechanics; and have worked several different jobs in the electronics field over the years. Starting in January, I will be doing electrical work for a Lincoln dealership in Tulsa. And while I don't know what the future holds, I look forward to this position as a way to provide for my family at this time.
In closing, I sincerely hope that all will understand my decision and the reasoning behind it. Heritage Baptist Church, and the Lake Charles area will always have a special place in our hearts. I truly hope and believe that better days lie ahead for Heritage. And for my family and me as well. And though the miles will separate us; I am only a phone call or text message away. I ask for your prayers as we adjust to a new life. As I will be praying for Heritage with the full assurance that a sovereign God will provide for His people, the leadership that they need and deserve. Erin and Karissa will be staying in Lake Charles for the next few months in order to finish out the school year. Then we will reunite, back home in Oklahoma. As always, our commitment is to “Do all things to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31) And I believe in time, we will see God glorified, Heritage edified, and the Kastler family strengthened by this decision.
May God be with you until we meet again.
Shane Kastler - Pastor
Heritage Baptist Church
Lake Charles, LA
You will be missed you have been a great friendwe wish you and your family the very best Fred and Joyce Picard
Posted by: Fred and Joyce Picard | December 04, 2020 at 05:44 PM