Leadership Transitions & Change

Eleven months ago the senior pastor who hired me resigned. Five weeks ago we hired a new senior pastor. Both events have caused a lot of change in our church staff, culture, and ministry.

 

New leadership always brings changes. Changes in relational dynamics, changes in protocol, changes in direction, and even changes in what beverages are kept in the staff refrigerator!

 

I’ve come up with four things I’ve tried to remind myself of weekly as this change occurred.

Jesus is in charge. No matter what type of leader I want to work for, or who I think should be in charge of the church I collect a paycheck from, it’s up to Jesus. I need to trust that the leader Jesus puts in place is THE BEST for this local church to impact HIS kingdom. That doesn’t mean it may be the best fit for me.

Anxiety will distract you. Any time you begin to worry about the “what if” questions of whether you and the new leader can work together, or whether you’ll see eye-to-eye on the important things of ministry, or…well, that list is endless. Whenever you focus more on worry than the ministry you’re currently in charge of, then you’re not helping the church in midst of the transition.

Pray for yourself and your family. In midst of this transition I’ve found it incredibly important to be praying for my family and myself. Asking God to show us with clarity where and how he wants us to serve him. A tough question people ask in midst of transitions is, “Am I still to serve at this local church?” So ask God. Then wait for an answer.

Have a loose grip. No matter how attached you are to certain ministries, events, ideas, or specifics of your church you need to loosen your grip on them. Remember, Jesus is in control. Be prepared to support that new leader, as they may feel led to make some changes. I can promise you probably won’t agree with all the changes, but if you’re in a role on the staff that isn’t the lead person, then you need to be ready to support that new leader.

 

These are just some things I’ve learned in the last year as I’ve gone through this process. They’ve helped me keep my sanity, and focus on the main thing. Jesus being glorified, people coming to know him, and me being accountable to the ministry Jesus has me overseeing.