Transitions and Growth

Transitions are a time when God can help us grow. When we move out of our parents house, we learn independence (somewhat painfully when the bills come due!) and God helps us to grow in both our abilities and our trust in God’s provision. When we lose a job, we enter a time of transition—and also a new opportunity for growth to be motivated to look for new opportunities trusting God to guide us. When the doctor says we have a disease, we enter a time of transition thinking of our mortality—and lean on Jesus, our risen Savior! What transitions have you been through? How has God been faithful through those times?

              St John’s is entering a period of transition as Pastor Dan accepts a full-time call to the Synod as of July 1 and leaves the quarter-time position here at St John’s. See his article elsewhere reflecting on his time helping lead St John’s outreach efforts. In this article, I want to reflect on ways God helps us grow in times of transition: in grief, gratitude, reflection, and reorientation.

              First, in a time of transition, there’s always grief. We should expect it! If we don’t, we may be confused when sadness seems to surprise us. Pastor Dan has been beloved by many and will be missed. We’ll be happy to see him occasionally on Synod business, but it will never be the same. Grief is a part of every transition.

              Second, we can be grateful for what was. When we focus on gratitude, it helps us in our sad moments. Pastor Dan helped us become more focused about the ways newcomers experience St John’s, whether in-person or online. As a result, we have a new website, logo, greeting materials, and so much more. We are a more effective congregation because of Pastor Dan’s work among us.

              Third, reflection is essential in a time of transition. Where are we now? What are our resources and needs? Over the last three years, we’ve learned that quarter-time isn’t enough for an outreach position. Pastor Dan worked hard but having only 10-12 hours a week was too little to accomplish the goals of building relationships. We have a Vision statement and goals now that we didn’t have three years ago. What is God calling us in outreach now? We have more lessons to learn, but it will take intentional times of prayer and reflection.

              Fourth, reorientation means we move forward differently. St John’s Council will be discussing how to implement our Vision in a new Outreach position. Look for more after the June council meeting.

              This pattern of grief, gratitude, reflection, and reorientation can be useful for any transition you may experience. I think it is helpful to see what our country is going through as a transitional time. The United States has been through painful transitions before. We’ve come through them because small groups of people were examples of reorienting towards a deeper care for each other.

              Even more, Christ-followers know that God is faithful. God will guide us even through the most traumatic transition—death! We can trust he will guide us to grow through our personal, congregational, and national transitions.

Listening with you for God’s direction,

Pastor Peter