(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:
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.
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