Preparing For Change

As I preached my second-to-last sermon at Ansonia, I found myself on a curious bridge. On one side I prepare a church for transition to a new pastor who has yet to be announced. I am confident and also sad. I am confident that Ansonia can continue the process of disciple-making that we have established together on a long term basis. I am also sad that I won't be able to work with them on the cutting-edge ministries that we began together.

But the bridge is one of anticipation. I'm about ready to cross over to Emmanuel who is also wondering about their transition. I wonder how you are preparing for positive change. Lots has to happen before change, of course. Trust needs to be developed between congregation and pastor. Passion needs to be inspired. Relationships need to form in healthy ways. Positive change can take weeks, months and even years. But in my experience, it is so , sooooo worth it.

I also recognize that I need to be ready to change for the better. Ansonia and Emmanuel are such different churches with different needs, dreams, resources and opportunities. I'm trying to prepare myself to be as flexible as possible to adapt to these differences--to be patient when it is warranted and to be bold when it is needed. It will not be easy for me as it likely won't be easy for Emmanuel. But it is in answering Calls such as this that give me Godbumps because I have seen and experienced awesome, transformed lives, when churches and leaders work together to create positive, soul-inspiring change.

So how do we prepare when change also brings fear to our days? How do we work through the reality that change brings the unknown and the unknown doesn't always work out to be good news? This is easy for me. I remind myself that that same God who led me through Ansonia is the same God moving with me to Emmanuel. And the same God that worked with you and Randy is the same God who will work with you and me. And the same Jesus that told Ansonia to 'make disciples' is the same Jesus that tells Emmanuel to 'make disciples'. All we have to do is let God work. Don't get in God's way because we are afraid of the unknown.

So I invite you, Emmanuel, to journey with me. I don't know where we will go, but since the same God is with us, it must be a soul-inspiring place. Indeed, we might get Godbumps together.