In my life and in my church right now we are in a season of change. Transitioning from a pastoral staff driven model of ministry to a lay-driven model of ministry that focuses clearly on the utilization of everyone's spiritual gifts and abilities. This change is creating amazing opportunities for growth and excitement and at the same time for some a spirit of hurt, disequilibrium, and in some cases, anger and disillusionment. The reality is that is what you always confront with change.
Change requires flexibility -- a fresh look at where you are, or at what you are doing, and then examining the possibilities of what could be. Change never comes from the same influences. Sometimes change is the result of conflict -- you have to change because things are no longer working. Sometimes change is the result of opportunity -- responding to the possibilities or needs that are being presented. Sometimes change happens out of necessity -- change or die. Sometimes change happens by choice -- you seek something better. Sometimes change is thrust upon you -- situations "change" the current circumstances you find yourself in. Sometimes (as in our case) a fresh vision from the Lord leads you to strategically do something different. Regardless of the motivation behind change, change is a normal and natural part of life. Think of it in these terms: look at a picture of yourself from 10, 20, 30, or 40 years ago. Now look in the mirror. See anything different? You've changed. I've changed. Maybe its your looks, your weight, your hair color, the texture of your skin. Some of those changes have been intentional. Some just happened. Some were welcomed. Some have caused great pain. But nevertheless, you have responded and found your way through...change. And that is the "struggle" I find myself confronting now. Change. For some it is exciting, for others disconcerting. For some it is as natural as accepting what you see in the mirror. For others it is hurtful and difficult and a source of contention. But change is essential -- it is a part of what we call life.
As a pastor, I've largely done ministry one way for 28 years. For the majority of that time, the style of ministry I worked with was good -- and God blessed it. But somewhere along the way, old paradigms became less effective. Needs changed. Whereas when I started people were comfortable with a pastor who largely did the work of ministry, today people are wanting to be involved. They long for connection, the ability to make a difference, to no longer be a spectator but rather to become a participant. One wasn't bad and the other good -- it's just different, a reflection of change. For me personally change is exciting but it's difficult and no matter how you approach it, people will always respond, well...like people. Some will like the new. Others will hate it. But that's the way we always respond to change.
Awhile back I was diagnosed with a disease. There is no cure for it. While you can manage its symptoms with high priced medications, it will always be there, slowly eating away at my health. It causes pain, discouragement, frustration, and CHANGE. I can't do what I used to do. I don't have the same energy. Some days the pain is crippling. Other days it is just this constant nagging that wears you down. It requires CHANGE. I have to change what I do and how I do it. I've had to change the activities that I am now a part of, leaving behind some things that have defined my life. It's not fun, nor is it easy. I hear "NO" a lot. Sometimes it comes from within. Sometimes it is the voice spoken from someone around me. Like it or not, where I find myself has caused me to have to shift from one way of doing things to another. I have had to transform -- change -- to deal with my own situation and now learn a new way of doing life. It hasn't been easy or fun, but its been necessary and I am learning that change is good -- really good.
I read an article today in Psychology Today online that just helped me think this whole thing through. It was written by a psychiatrist who daily helps people navigate the waters of change. In it, she shared five simple steps to help you find equilibrium. She called them the 5 P's. I found them helpful.
- Learn patience. Generally, things do not happen overnight. In fact, it may take some time before a desired and/or reasonable outcome is reached. Don't be impulsive or try to rush the results. Patience will help you arrive at the best possible place you need to be.
- Be persistent. It's easy to want to give up, especially when things are not going your way, or are even looking glum. Keep on chipping away at the issues; the outcome or solution you're seeking may be just around the bend.
- Be practical. Some changes require an immediate response to remedy a situation, but in most instances, there's simply no rush to the finish line. Go about your life in a way that focuses attention on maintaining balance. Stay present, firmly rooted, in the here and now. In other words, create a structure that provides stability and support while you're in the process of transitioning.
- Be positive. Expect "up and down". In fact, that's more the norm while you're going through change. A sense of optimism will help equalize the hills and valleys and will keep you focused and committed.
- Have a purpose. No matter how many major changes and transitions you go through during the course of your life, having an organizing guiding principle that is vital to you and gives meaning to your life is essential.*
That fifth principle is key for me. I like what it says: have an organizing guiding principle. There is only one way in my perception to deal with change -- and to survive. That is to seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near, (Isaiah 55:6). When He becomes my focus -- especially in times of change, I find a sense of direction, an understanding of a clear path -- and I begin to encounter what is His preferable future for me. Usually it involves change. But when God is the one leading you to and through change you can never go wrong. That is, unless you let others (people or things) get in the way.
In these days of change -- where I am releasing a 28 year paradigm of ministry for a new one, and where I am now trying to lead others through that transition as I follow the Lord, I am encountering personally and professionally every conceivable emotion and response you could imagine. But in this process, as I follow the Lord I am learning the power of being patient, persistent, practical, and positive, and I am learning how to keep my eyes in a whole new way on focusing on God's clear and intended purpose. My prayer has become simple: Lord, guide me, lead me, and help me to navigate this journey of change, bringing Your people with me and following You wherever You lead. That's where I am, and for those of you who do life with me I am praying that will become where you are too. Join me in seeking the Lord while He may be found; calling on Him while He is near. He will bring us through and in the end, His plan will become our preferred, present experience and through our changes He will use us to build His kingdom.
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* Taken from "In Flux: Embracing Transitions and Change" by Abigail Brenner, M.D., found at http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-flux/201107/5-tips-help-you-respond-effectively-change. Accessed November 5, 2014.
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