Ecclesiastes 3 states “there is a time
for everything.” It goes on to say that
there is “a time to plant and a time to uproot.” While we know this is referring to a harvest
season, we can relate this to when it comes to seasons of transition. Each of us comes to a point where we believe
God is calling us to a new season of ministry.
For some it is simply because of pastoral and board decisions, but for
others, it is due to the Spirit leading us to this new season.
This topic of ministry transition has
been our discussion in recent Drive Ins during the past two months. It has been a healthy and productive time of
dialogue, discussion, and learning.
Youth Pastors, Associate Pastors, and Lead Pastors alike face this “fork
in the road” in which they must now navigate transition. How should a pastor proceed? Does he allow for his staff to transition in
a healthy manner? How should a youth
pastor proceed? Does he or she communicate with their pastor? How do we navigate this?
We received great feedback we received from youth pastors in our drive
ins have been exceptional. Here are some insights we received from one
of our pastors. Here are some things to consider:
1.
Wrestle with God in prayer first. Ask yourself these questions and
be honest with yourself:
- Am I desiring to leave for personal gain or because of God's promotion?
- Is my sense of transition from God or personal ambition/ politics? There are God-moves and there are political moves. I need to distinguish the difference.
- Do I have any unresolved frustrations that may be causing me to see that the "grass is greener on the other side"?
- Pastor's big question: Have I truly done all that I can here? Can I honestly say that I feel I can't go any farther here?"
- When looking at an opportunity, never make a decision too quickly. The devil loves hasty decisions. Instant anything is the American way, but not God’s way. God asked us to “wait on the Lord” and hear from him. Seek counsel. Pray, and ask the Spirit to speak to and make God’s will clear.
- Check your ego and motive. It's easy to be drawn away when someone is stroking your ego. Are you moving on for a “better opportunity?” Is it God leading you, or is it you leading you? Our tendency is to think the grass is always greener and bigger is always better.
- Communication is key. Never let suspicion get between you and your senior pastor. When you have wrestled with God over these questions, please honor the commitment I made to you by letting me know that it is your time to transition. Explain that you know that you have done all that you can and can do no more here.
- Seek wisdom from trusted counsel. Allow them to ask you the tough questions. Allow them to challenging your reasons for seeking transition. Allow them to guide you through this time as you consider what God would have you do.
- If it's a God thing, there will be peace. How will you know? Opportunity + will of God = peace. That's how you will know!
Transition
is never is easy, and understandably so!
You have spent the previous years building relationships, investing in
to others lives, and have been fulfilling your call in that season. We ultimately have to be sincere before God,
seek wisdom, and allow the Spirit to speak to us and lead us when we feel the
call to transition. When we do these
things, we will continue to do all that God has asked us to do.
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