I saw it on Facebook. The headline read, “Hundreds Hospitalized After New Hymn Introduced at Church.” Pictured was a line of emergency response vehicles at the ready. Chaos everywhere. Life would never be the same. Or would it?
It’s important to distinguish “change” from “transition.”
Changes happen in an instant: a decision is made, or a letter of resignation is submitted, or plane tickets are purchased, or someone asks you to marry them, and change is effected. Even with advance notice of the changes, its impact is often not felt until the change actually takes place. Then it’s done, period.
Transition is the time necessary to adjust to the change(s). Once the change has been made and there’s no turning back, how shall we then live? Over time and with the help of others we begin to lean into the change, perhaps find its efficacy, and become more comfortable with it. While change happens in an instant, transition is not time specific. We each experience transition in our own time.
Interim ministry embraces both change and transition. Some changes have already taken place before the interim arrives on the scene. Others occur once the interim is in place. Some transitions are smooth as silk; most are not. The point is to be ready for the real changes that take place once your new settled minister arrives. How do we (corporately) deal with change and transition?
During the interim period, we’ll surely find out. But don’t expect ambulances in the church parking lot anytime soon. By faith, together, and perhaps with hands held, we’ll move forward in a world of our own making and make it better through acts of love and deeds of justice. After all, this is the work of the church.
The joy continues,
Greg