LANGLEY, B.C.-When Terence Rolston arrived for work on August 16, he was the executive vice-president of Focus on the Family Canada. By the end of the day, he was the interim president of Canada's largest and most influential pro-family parachurch ministry.

To Rolston's surprise, Darrel Reid-Focus' president for the past six years-that day tendered his resignation.

But while his new responsibilities came unexpectedly, Rolston is confident he is up to the task.

"I've been here almost seven years, and so I know what we do and know what needs to be done," he says. "In that sense, I just have a sense of confidence about where we need to go from here."

For his part, Reid says he believes he has accomplished all that God had called him to do for Focus-and that now is the right time to move on.

"When I look in my heart, when I look at my family, and when I look at the organizational legacy I'm leaving behind, I see peace. We have a real sense that this is God's leading," he says.

Reid adds: "It would be a grave mistake to read [into my resignation] any negative vibes or any ill-will or misunderstanding or difficulties in leadership direction in any way."

At the same time, Focus' board of directors has begun seeking a new president and according to a news release, it has "encouraged" Rolston to seek the position.

Given the rush of events, Rolston has not decided whether to accept the invitation.

The challenges Reid faced on becoming president in June 1998, he says, included getting Focus' organizational house in order, putting it on a sound financial footing, shaping its vision for the future, and giving it a higher profile on several key social policy issues.

"On all of those fronts, I've felt, and I know the organization feels, that we've had a positive impact," says Reid. "Focus on the Family is recognized as having a significant voice in the national discussion on important things relating to family."

Rolston agrees: "[Darrel's] strengths were evidenced in his ability not only to convey a vision, but build a team to accomplish that vision-and that team exists today."

During Reid's tenure, Focus played a major role in defending the legal right of parents to spank their children, as well as leading the charge defending the traditional definition of marriage as one man and one woman. It also helped mobilize Canadians to call for stronger child pornography laws, while going to court to successfully oppose a bid to weaken them.

Prior to joining Focus, Reid was chief of staff to Reform Party leader Preston Manning in Ottawa. And he does not rule out some "formal involvement" in politics in the future.

"I'm not going to be silent, but I'm not going to be out there looking for media comment, either," he says. "I'm a passionate follower of Jesus and He can take me as He will."

For now, Reid plans to work in the private sector and spend more time with his family.

"I'll be doing less travel and that excites me."