Oct 29 2014

5 Things for Ministers to Consider During Transitions

God never promises that life will be easy. In fact, I would say that God promises the opposite. James 1:2 says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” – and by various kinds, that could mean self inflicted, through no fault of your own, random, expected…the list goes on and on.

Job transitions are tough. In my field of ministry, they have a unique challenge though. You see, ministry is not a job. Its a lifestyle. Its a calling. We don’t just “go to work” but rather our life is our work.

Recently my life was faced with this very transition. Its tough. Its challenging. I have woken up every day thinking about people in my congregation who were hurting, struggling, dealing with various trials of their own – and its because while I may have left the ministry at that church, I have not left my ministry. My church family isn’t just made up of the people I work for at a certain time, but rather its made up of ALL the people I’ve ever worked with.

But what do you do when you go through that inevitable transition? I think it begins before it ever happens.

Make sure that in your ministry, you don’t isolate yourself. Network, and network some more. Connect with other ministers, churches, and schools. Find people you can confide in, share your struggles with, and pray with on a regular basis who are outside of your church family. That way, when the transition comes, you won’t find yourself alone.

But when that day comes for you to leave your work – what do you? How do you handle it? Here are 5 ways to handle your transition time in ministry, whether you’ve been let go, you’re leaving on your own, or you’re moving to another church.

Realize that your church will move on, and probably a lot quicker than you will. As ministers, we should aim to leave a church just like our mothers told us to treat places we visited – better than we found it. If we have done our jobs, we have prepared the church for the next step, whatever that may be. Don’t be surprised or upset when they start posting a want ad for a new minister, announcing guest speakers, and move forward.

Remember that the church belongs to God, not to you. This is God’s church. God called you, led you, and put you there for a season. But, it will be just fine without you. God will lead a new person there to continue where you left off.

Remember your family is leaving the church as well. Your spouse has been there for you, supported you, waited up late for you after meetings, gone to events with you, and more than likely dedicated a giant portion of time and energy to the church. This hurts them just as much as it hurts you. I count it a blessing that I have a spouse who supports me wholeheartedly, and is always there for me no matter what the situation.

If you have children, remember that they may not completely understand. Its tough on them. I know people say that kids are resilient, and I believe that to be true, but saying things such as “God has other plans” don’t always work with a 5 year old, or a 15 year old for that matter. Be prepared to deal with lots of tears, questions, confusion, and for those of you with older children – resentment.

Don’t let Satan win. The evil one wants you to feel defeated. He wants you to feel like you’re not good enough, or that you’ve abandoned the best thing you’ve ever done, or that no one ever liked you. He will play so many tricks on you to get you to give up on ministry completely. Remember, he’s pretty good at this. You’ll begin to question your motives, your calling, your ability, and all of this is natural to a certain extent.Remember when Satan tells you these things, he’s just trying to get you blame God, to doubt God, to question God, or to give up on God. And the only way you can make sure these things don’t happen is to…

Immerse yourself in prayer. Pray without ceasing. Pray continually. Pray, and then pray some more. If you left on your own, for whatever reason, pray. If you were relieved of your duties, pray. If you were offered a job elsewhere, pray. Pray alone. Pray with others. Pray with your family. Pray for the church you just left. Pray for the church where you will be going. Pray for the church that has yet to be put in your path. Pray about the bad times. Pray about the good things God used you for. Pray, pray, pray.

Oct 27 2014

Transitions…

On Sunday, October 5, I announced my resignation from the Granny White Church of Christ. For 3 years, I faithfully served as the minister for this fine church. I wish nothing but the best for the Granny White family. The GW congregation loved our family well and we will eternally cherish the relationships we developed in our short time there.

I solicit your prayers as I look to God’s guidance to lead me to my next opportunity to serve in His Kingdom. I ask for prayers for my wife as she continues to support me, love me, and stands by my side. I also ask that you pray for our dear sweet little girl, Josie. She has had a hard time accepting the fact that she will not be with her little church friends each week.

My relationship with Kristen is stronger than it has ever been. We seek to stay in ministry, and have several opportunities that God has already put in front of us. We covet your prayers during this time of transition.

I hope that my time at Granny White honored the Lord and His Kingdom. I hope that it served the people there well, and that I helped them to think, to grow, to stretch, and to draw nearer to God.

I love the family at Granny White so very much. These have been 3 of the best years of my life. May God continue to bless you all. Our hearts are full from all the love you have showered upon us.

Oct 14 2014

The Keys: BACKSPACE

Have you ever heard about someone who has worked hard every day, always on the job, always working. To the point where they end up neglecting their family. And then on their death bed, they say they would take it all back and work less and not worry so much about the money – all for the relationship to be restored as fully as could be.

There is no backspace key in life. You can’t just hit a button and make things disappear and you’re able to start all over. But there are steps you can take to do your best to have a clean slate with other people, and with God.

One thing we have to do is realize the problem. Sometimes that comes with a self realization and a confession to the world – I need a change, I need to do something different.

We work and play so very hard, but we look back and see we have neglected our relationship with Christ and have put it on the back burner. This is one of the many relationships that we need to make sure, at the end of our life we don’t find ourselves saying “How I wish I could have drawn closer to God, closer to Him. How I wish we hadn’t neglected our relationship.

In fact, Sometimes we need to be shown the bad decisions we have made in our relationship with God. And that’s what God is doing in Isaiah 43.

God shows all the things that He has done for Israel. In the first 13 verses – God talks about how much He has done for them. How he created them, formed them, redeemed them. How he has protected them from enemies. How he loves them. How He is with them. How he has rescued them.

He then goes on to say How as Creator, the wild animals honor HIM, the jackals, the owls, because He provides for them. BUT then in verse 22 – He pulls out the hard words to read.

He says “You didn’t call on me…I was there for you, I helped you, I saved you, but you didn’t call.” In fact, look close at verse 22 – He tells the Israelites – “YOU HAVE BEEN WEARY OF ME.”

Instead of seeing God as a deliverer…they have grown weary of Him.

Its as if they’re saying – “You’re wearing me out with this, God!! – stop being there for me – stop trying to help me. We’re exhausted with all this.”

In verse 23 – He talks about the sacrifices, but the people don’t want to bring them. They did not want to bring sacrifices to God, or honor Him. They did not want to give their money, or their gifts to God.

Their worship was not centered on praising or honoring God. Instead they thought it was rather tiring. It was such a burden. It made them weary.

And God has a legitimate question – have i really been that big of a burden? The only true and living God, who has loved them through all sorts of messes, says “I’m the only true God…i’ll help you, i’ll protect you, I’ll carry you…

But they’re Not interested God.

SO God goes on in verse 24 and says if anyone is burdened, its not you…its ME!!

God had done so much for them, and He says “You burden me with all your sins..I’m the one carrying the load…”

Have you ever stopped and thought – “This whole God thing, its getting wearisome, its a burden, its hard, I just want to live my life, SURE i’ll go through those motions, I’ll bring a song to Him at worship, I’ll close my eyes during prayer, I’ll bring my 12 pack of soft drinks for the next event – but let me tell you what, if we go over time on Sunday morning, and if we don’t start singing the songs I like, and if they run out of food at the fellowship…”

But then you stop and hear this message from God: –

“You think its weary to serve me? – its a burden for me to carry your sins…”

Why is this a beautiful message? What does this have to do with the backspace key?? Well here’s what God says –

“Fine – I’ll leave you alone…that’s fine…I’m done with you…you don’t want to put a little more time into our relationship? You don’t want to bring gifts to me cheerfully? You don’t want to be wrapped up in my love? I’ll just find someone who does.”

NO – he doesn’t say that. In fact – He keeps doing, keeps trying.

Here’s why I like God, the one true God. Other gods, you do for them, you do for them, you do for them…but GOD – the one true God – keeps trying to win us over.

God says in verse 25 “Even though you are the way you are…I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

He had just finished saying “YOU HAVE BURDENED ME.” But in verse 25 – he says i’ll deal with it.. I’ll take care of it.

WHY is he saying that? Why is He dealing with it? He didn’t make the mistake. He didn’t mess up!!

HE says “for my own sake” – its not for us, its for HIM. He’s doing it because of who He is. He is goodness, He is loving, He is merciful. IN FACT we really have nothing to offer God that causes HIM to say “I’m going to do this for you”. He just says “You are wicked, you are evil, you are filled with sin, you keep messing up – but I love you – and I’m going to do this for you.”

He says I’m going to forgive you for my own sake and I’m not even going to remember them. We serve a God who says “I won’t remember your sins”. They’re gone.

Yes, there are consequences, called Babylonian captivity. But if you look at 44:1, God says “but listen up – i’ll help you. YOU Deal with the consequences – BUT I’M STILL… going….to… help you. Don’t fear, don’t be afraid.”

And then in verse 3 – HE SAYS “i’ll pour water out on the dry ground, I’ll pour my spirit on your offspring, and they will spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams.” Now if you’re not understanding what Isaiah is saying here – HE’s saying A COMPLETE RENEWAL will occur. When God says I’m going to send rain or water – its usually a sign for renewal.

He is going to cause a radical renewal.

And notice VERSE 5 – They’ll be saying “I am the Lord’s” They’ll be a group that says they belong to God. That they are proud to belong to God. Maybe that’s what we should pray today. God will you change my heart to make me want to desire you more and more?

Ever wish there was a backspace key in your life? Where you can just start over? Clean slate? Its already there. Its called Jesus. He can bring about this fresh start, this cleansing.

Are you weary of service to God? Have you been through this charade too many times, and it means very little to you? God can change your heart. He can take you back to where you first fell in love with Him. Start over today.

God, help us to know you forgive us, you love us, and want to pick up right where we left off. Help us to forget our sins, because we know you do. Amen.

Oct 12 2014

The Keys: Command

I don’t know about you, but in a world where we get upset with each other so very quickly, and anger seems to immediately turn to hate – its a painful reminder that God’s greatest command to us is simply this: Love.

The Bible is full of commands. Especially in the Old Testament. But when Jesus is asked in the New Testament which command was the greatest, which command out of all of those things they had been taught all of their lives was the most important – Here’s what Jesus said –

“Love God. Love others”

But there are two things we must consider – how do we love God and how do we love others?

The Bible tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, might, strength – or another way to say it is to love God with your everything.

Your will, your desires, your passions, your affections, your perceptions, your thoughts – We love God from within but also our entire being, our soul, the thing that makes us who we are – how we walk, how we talk, how we think, how we use our talents, how we react – our entire being is to display that we love God.

We need to love God not only with our physical muscle but with everything we have available for honoring God – which includes our spouse, our children, our house, our wardrobe, our tools, our cell phones, our movies and music, our computers, our time.

Every part of who we are – should be showing love to God. So that’s how we are to love God, but what about that “others” part.

I love my wife. I love my daughter. I love my mother and father. I love my brother and sister, and their spouses, and their kids. I love my family. I love my friends. Those friends of mine that I can call up at anytime and talk, go eat lunch with, hang out with. I love you. I love the church.

So you see the trend here. I love people I’m close to, that I’ve gotten to know, or that i have respect for.

But – How do I love my enemies?

Throughout history, people tend to make their enemies less than human. Its not any different for us really – we tend to view criminals, our enemies, and those we don’t like, as less than human. When we dehumanize others, its much easier to justify hatred. But I want you to Look at the example Jesus gave us in Luke 19:41-44

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

He knew what Rome would do to his fellow Jews in Jerusalem as he wept over the city. The people he was about to die for, didn’t love him. He loved the people who were about to kill him. He wept for them.

In the OT Jonah was asked to preach a message of salvation to people he despised. I think loving our enemies looks like that. The Ninevites were vile, horrible people. Jonah never got over God’s wanting to forgive & bless them.

Loving your enemies is being willing to be a conduit of God’s grace to another, even when they have brought you pain and suffering .

The world may cry “Why?” But we know the real reason God tells us to love others. Its because HE loves us – and HE wants us to be like HIM.

On the computer keyboard that I use, the “Command” key is used as a shortcut. I type command plus c and it copies. I type command plus v and it pastes. But when God says that love is the greatest command, we realize quickly there is no shortcut in love.

The New Testament says in I Corinthians 13 that if I have eloquence, if I preach with power, if I have monstrous faith, if I give away all my possessions to the poor – it doesn’t amount to anything if I don’t have love.

You know what else it says: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

This is not just a passage for the minister to read at weddings. This is a national anthem for us as Christians – when we look at the Greatest Command which is love – this is the description of the love God commands!!

We understand loving family and friends. But the enemy part is much harder. Take 5 minutes and watch this moving video:

Jesus was hanging on the cross. On either side of him were criminals. Roman soldiers who didn’t know Jesus were just doing their job, following orders.

Jewish leaders, the ones who would have crucified Jesus themselves if the law didn’t prohibit it. They hated Jesus.

There was a crowd of people – some who used to follow Jesus around and listen to his message of love and forgiveness. They used to cry “Hosanna” and now they shouted “Crucify Him”

And our Lord says “Father – forgive them.” And then he dies for them.

And for us. For you, and for me.

Jesus is standing in front of you today – he has his arms wide open, ready to love you, no matter what it is you’ve done. And when I say no matter what, I mean no matter what.

He loves you – do you love Him?

Oct 9 2014

The Keys: The Arrow Cluster

When you think about the arrow keys on the keyboard – their main function is to direct things to where you want them to go. The cursor on a word document, your character on a video game, a text box on a powerpoint – the list goes on and on.

I don’t think i’m the only person here who needs direction in my life.

It used to be that settlers and explorers would go out into new lands and with the help of their cartography skills would draw maps so people would be able to find their way.

Road maps evolved – and recently, technology has taken over. We can get directions to anywhere just by talking into our cell phones.

Except one direction – and that is the direction God wants us to go with our life.

Unfortunately – I often times like to give myself directions and pretend like I know exactly what to do and where to go.

But that’s not what Proverbs tells us. In Proverbs 3:5-6 it tells us this: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Is it possible we have become so self-sufficient that we think we don’t need God anymore?

I really hope this isn’t true – but I’m afraid that when things are going well, we act as if we don’t need God. Sick? We call the doc. Car accident? We call our insurance. Visitors? Run out to the store and get some food. Run out of money? Pull out the plastic. Can’t make ends meet? Loans. Relationship trouble? Counselors.

Let me ask you if this sounds familiar: Sit down with your family and lay out a plan – we will do this that and the other. We can take this step and that step and end up here doing this.

We plan everything out and then perhaps our best thought out plans fail.

Because we forgot to include God in them. Instead of trusting in the Lord – we lean on our own understanding. Instead of submitting to him we ask HIM to submit to us, and our paths don’t end up straight, but as crooked as humanly possible.

Look at Jonah. He tried to tell God which way was best. He was called to Ninevah to tell them how much God loved them and wanted to save them. The message was to repent. But Jonah went the opposite direction, and tried to tell God not to spare the city. He took matters in his own hands, went his own direction, and He ended up being thrown off the ship he was on and being swallowed by a big fish.

But I want you to notice something: In the last verse of Jonah 1, it says: “Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

The fish was provided by God. It was God rescuing Jonah. And then in chapter 2:10 it says that God caused the fish to spit Jonah out on dry ground.

And then in chapter 3 – to begin the chapter – it states “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.’ Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh.”

Do you see that? How much hope does it give you that if you mess up and go the wrong way – God will re-route you. Even when we head in the wrong direction, God re-routes us, shows us the way, and gets us back on track.

But notice something about Jonah – he was re-routed, but he did not repent. Just because we’re redirected, or shown the right way, does not mean we change how we act or feel. You see, its up to us to change. That change is what the bible calls repentance.

When we enter into a relationship with God, there are many things, many obstacles, blocking our way. These things keep us from having a true relationship with God. And that’s why we need to repent. Repentance is not just changing direction from one thing or even a few things – its a complete surrender. Jesus tells us this in Matthew 16:24-26 as he says if you want to follow me, you’ll deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him.

So – which way do you need to go? I read this story not too long ago and thought it fits so well here:

A father was walking through the woods with his young son one day and wanting the boy to start thinking about finding his way if he were lost paused and asked:

“Do you know where we are?”

The boy looked up, and with a sweet smile replied that he didn’t. A little farther along, the father TRIED to look puzzled. “Do you know how far we have come?” “No,” replied the boy.

A little later, the father pressed his son again, “don’t you think we’re lost?” The boy grinned an unconcerned grin and said “I can’t be lost – I’m with you.”

Understand this: You can’t be lost if you stay with your Father. Let God guide you today.

Being Changed from the Inside Out

A blog written by Lane Widick about ministry, Kingdom living, family, and life.

Monthly Archives: October 2014