Transitions That Transform by Heather Moore
May 26th, 2018
Just recently I was on the phone with a girlfriend discussing life, marriage, pastoring, kids and the juggling act every woman in ministry faces on a daily basis. As she asked how I was doing, I said; “We are in transition again,” and began to describe (in colorful detail) the many changes that seemed to be happening all at once. As I bellowed my sad song, it hit me! There has never been a season in my adult life that I am not in transition. I am always headed into, in the middle of, or walking out from transition. Sometimes all at once!
Later that morning, I reflected on this deep thought over my third cup of coffee. To be a little
honest and gritty, transition is a dirty word for me. I have spent much of my personal and
pastoral life trying to avoid it (hmmm...maybe I need to deal with my control issues too)!
Scampering to stack one stone on top of the other, I deceptively told myself if I worked really
hard, parented and lead really well, there would come a time in which everything is operating in beautiful harmony. Ministries, leaders and children would function in a transcendent, zen like state without me. No one would ever leave, ever transition, ever feel offended or burn out. I know, you are laughing! I need this blog more than you do!
Interestingly, the prefix for transition is “trans.” Meaning across, beyond or through. As pastors and leaders we have a distinct opportunity to lead others through (in health) the next season God has, crossing together from here to there. Below are the guardrails I have learned to put up (think bumper lanes in bowling), that have guided me through hard and great transitions.
Transition is not about me.
I’m gonna be honest, transition flares my issues with identity, security, fear, longing and loss. It exposes my inner beliefs of who I am. Heather in Christ (being), or Heather the pastor, mom, student and mentor (doing)? If I am what I do, transition screams that every change is a direct reflection on my abilities. I become a cavewoman in my thinking. “Good transition = good leader. Bad transition = bad leader.”
Unfortunately, when I make it about me, I put the brakes on good change, possibly “God
change,” and lead blind. We all have driven down the highway of transition with blinders,
everyone gets stuck in the ditch.
Transition is about me.
I know what I said above; but here’s the paradox. With each transition, Christ is about making
me more like him. How do I behave when I have been wrongfully accused, misunderstood,
mistreated, or do not get my way? Do I bless? Do I make every effort to live in peace? In good
and hard transitions, I pray this scripture over myself; Heather be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2). Recently, I prayed this over myself as I “transitioned” my daughter into driving!
Transition invites surrender.
“Letting go gives a better grip!” On top of this being an awesome line in a David Crowder song,
transition is a quick trigger that tells me what or who I am holding onto. Am I anchored to a
person, a way of life, a title or that strategic program that is going to double our church in 24
hours? Is there anyone or anything I am trying to control? Do I lead with open hands, releasing and giving over leaders, agendas and people?
Here’s a transition tip! In your car, shower or while folding laundry, sing at the top your lungs “I surrender all!” Sing it so you can live it!
Transition reminds me who is in charge and who’s work it is.
Since I already admitted that I have control issues, here is the raw truth. Transition consistently pulls me back to reality. I am His servant, in His house, stewarding only what He has given me. Apart from Him I can do NOTHING!
His invitation is not to perfect my work, but participate in His work! He says; Come to me. Get
away with me and you’ll recover your life. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (Excerpts of Matthew 11:29-30, The Message).
The simple definition of transition is the process or period of changing from one state or
condition to another. For us to lead others through change we must first allow ourselves to be
changed. In the good, bad and sad, He is giving us opportunities to be lead by Him from glory to glory. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to
completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NIV). May we be women that allow transitions to transform us!
Heather Moore
