Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Termination Dust: Discerning Transitions in Ministry

(Photo used from Alaska Gov. Bill Walker's Facebook page)

Termination Dust is the first light snow to cap the mountains in the Fall.   In Alaska, we know what it means…that the season is about to change, and winter is fast approaching.  I notice it every year on the Chugach Mountains, as I make my daily drive between Eagle River and Anchorage.  Every year when it appears, I mentally go through my list of winter preparations…put the snow tires on the car, put the ice scraper in the car, make sure I have ice melt for the sidewalk, etc. 

When we have changes of seasons in our ministries, we can often notice termination dust.  It can come in the form of a stirring in our hearts or a sense of losing favor in our current ministry.  Now, let me say that I believe that longevity is directly correlated to ministry health.  However, transitions are a part of life and ministry. As I reflect on the couple of ministry transitions we have had, God has prepared Susan and I before the transition occurred.   We have learned to be sensitive to His stirrings.  It may be that you are not to leave your ministry position, but that God is shifting or expanding your responsibilities. When we see “termination dust,” there are certain things that are vital for us to do.
1.       Pray!  This is a crucial time to be in the Spirit and get the mind of the Lord.  You should never leave a ministry position for the wrong reason.  Just because you are fighting a battle, doesn’t mean it is time to leave.  If you leave and go to another ministry position, you may be facing the same issues.  It could be that it’s time to dig into prayer and believe God for a breakthrough.  Simply put, you need to hear from God.  Get in the Word and intentionally listen.

2.       Talk with wise leaders in your life, and get their counsel.   There is safety in a multitude of counselors. 

3.       If it is time to make a transition, leave well.  Sometimes you will be exiting in unpleasant circumstances, and you may be asked to leave.  Whatever the case, let your actions as you depart honor Christ and preserve ministry.  Many are tempted to speak badly about other church leaders on the way out.  This is not helpful, and does not honor Christ.  Also, how you leave a place will be your legacy, for good or bad.
If you begin to sense a change coming, I encourage you to engage in these activities.  

1 comment:

AKStafford said...

Dr. Henry Cloud wrote a book called "Necessary Endings" that was a huge help for me in my last transition. I'd highly recommend it.