Every where you look transitions are taking place.people who are retiring or relocating, local congregations facing a myriad of change or significant family transitions, everyone is undergoing some sort of change.
For several decades, I have watched a parade of change march through my life and the lives of people I care about. There are moments when it seems the only constant in life is change! Some days we handle those transitions well, other days we are convinced the end of our world is near.
A significant change is a change in Pastors, familiar Pastor being relocated and a new Pastor being sent to your church,
We know in our head there is a reason for the change,how do we cope with it? It is a significant transition for the Pastor and his family as well as the staff and congregation.
So...where do we start?
Throughout the Bible, God works in people’s lives during all three parts of the process. Moses ends one life in Egyptian luxury, goes through a transition period in the wilderness, and experiences a new beginning as the leader of God’s chosen people. Jesus’ baptism marks the ending of life as he knew it, his forty days of temptation are his days of transition, and his new beginning launches him toward a life of ministry and teaching.(Center for Healthy Churches).
The Steps
Pastors are reassignedGrief and shock, maybe even some anger, is felt and expressed.However, one of the existing theories on grief provides a good framework for understanding the overall grieving process. Developed by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, the five stages of grief model continues to be the go-to framework for understanding how grief moves through stages. This guide explores the stages of grief as well as offers advice on how you might manage that stage of grief.
1.Pastor JP has been reassigned after 11 years with us. This is expressed in shock, denial, anger. He is doing what he is called to do as an itinerant minister of the church. He knows this is what he is called to do.An itinerant minister, also known as an itinerant preacher, is a Christian evangelist who travels to different groups of people to share the Christian message of redemption.The practice of traveling evangelists is called itineracy and is found thorughout scripture.
2. Pastor Craig has arrived, again, his calling is as an itinerant minister of the church as well. He knows this is what he is called to do.
3.Both pastors will undergo major transitions in their lives and the lives of their family.
The Congregations will go through transitions as well: Shock, grief, how will we manage this change?
At this point,communication will be critical, how and when will the change take place?
Pastors will communicate this plan to staff and congregation. As the realization that this will happen occurs, different emotions will take place. It will be important for the church family to be positive and lift each other up as well as they express their sadness over the loss of their Pastor and friend. Events planned to celebrate the Pastors time at the church helps to soften the impending change.
Acceptance and Intergration
Anticipation of the first service and meeting with the new Pastor and his family.Recovery takes time for both the Pastors, their families and the congregation. This marks the recovery process.
Things will change, for the greater good. Communication remains key.
Best wishes for JP and his family. Asbury UMC in York is very fortunate to be receiving him.
Welcome to our new Pastor. Pastor Craig and family we welcome you withopen arms and look forward to all of us growing together.
Together we win. Best to all
Cathy Gegaris
