Transition - decision

It was suggested to me that I share some personal reflections on the process I have been going through in my own life, having recently resigned from my church and looking forward to a new role beginning in November. Over the next week or so I will do that.

 

Pastoral transition is rarely easy. Not only for the congregation but for the minister. In secular vocations the decision to leave one job for another is usually less complicated. Advancement, more money, or better working conditions typically make the choice straightforward. Although seeking God's will should be part of all decision-making, the context of spiritual community places greater pressure on ministers to get it right.

 

I'm sure all pastors have experienced the stress of deciding when it is best to resign and move on to a new call. In recent months a couple of other Church of God bloggers (Jeffrey Frymire and Ken DeMaere) have shared some of their resignation experiences. For me, the inkling that a transition was possible began several months ago. It was becoming more and more apparent that I was no longer the good fit with this church as I was almost six years ago when we first came in contact with each other. Since becoming their pastor we have had many tremendous times together, and the church has experienced signficant transformation. A large proportion of the people are new, and the ministry focus and direction of the church has changed dramatically. For pastors who have struggled getting their church to make even the smallest change, my situation might be perceived as ideal. It has been good. These are wonderful people. We love the city. Our family is somewhat settled here. On the surface there were no apparent reasons to leave. In fact, we fought against any notion of leaving.

 

But, as I looked at the situation honestly I began to see that with all the changes we have gone through the church needed a pastor with different gifts and strengths to lead them to the next level of their growth and development. I remain convinced that I was the right person for them at the time and with the issues they were facing, but I could sense that my time here was like Moses leading the children of Israel through the wilderness. A Joshua was now required to take them to the Promised Land.

 

Confirming this insight meant much prayer, long discussions with my wife, consultation with individuals I trust, and even a few restless nights. God speaks to us in a number of ways, and it became clear from all directions that my hunches were more than just that. Naturally, a big concern is that such a decision is being made on purely emotional grounds or for selfish reasons. I was also somewhat frustrated with the fact that I was not living up to one of my values: long pastorates. Nevertheless, all indications were that I had been used of God in this location and that my staying was likely not in the best long-term interest of this congregation that I love.

 

Once this decision to leave was arrived at, I tentatively began the next phase of the transition journey. The question now was: "OK, God, if you want me to leave, where am I to go?" More on that in my next post.