Change, it’s inevitable! Everything changes. Everyone changes. Seasons change. Jobs change. Relationships change. Life changes. I am sure these are moments with which everyone reading this post can identify. Change happens for us all. Yet, for me — this weekend is a BIG ONE! This weekend marks the conclusion of a wonderful season of life for my family and me. Tomorrow we will gather for the last time with the congregation of Trinity Fellowship Church (Greer, SC). At least, the final time as their pastoral family. After this weekend, I will be stepping into a new role and ministry within the leadership of our denominational network. This will undoubtedly be a change that brings new opportunities and new relationships. Yet, I know I will greatly miss this incredible congregation.
Nearly 20 years ago I moved my family from Detroit, MI to the Upstate of South Carolina to serve as their senior pastor. At the time, Trinity Fellowship was a very small and aged congregation. Even so, they took an enormous risk and brought my family and me in to lead them in change. As a pastor, my primary role too was to shepherded the flock (to provide them with spiritual care). But, in addition to shepherding the flock, this group of senior adults also expected me to lead them through a process of change that would enable the church to experience growth and a revitalization of life. Endeavoring to do so was exciting and daunting at the same time. In the days (and years) that followed, I discovered this small group of seniors to be giants of faith. They not only took a risk on me, but also on the plethora of ideas I brought to them. While the changes were necessary — they were not easy. Vision was cast. Dreams were determined. Culture was reshaped. Ascetics were redefined. Resources were reallocated. And that’s just the beginning. The changes we dared to make together in those early days of our ministry at Trinity Fellowship Church have led to a new season of life and ministry. What once was a declining congregation at the end of their life-cycle is now a growing ministry with a bright future. And while it would be easy to settle into the culture of success and grow complacent and content with past victories, we have come to recognize that this is another opportunity to embrace change and take the risk of stepping out into a new season.
And so, with that — I prepare to share my farewell message with those who have become more than congregants…they have become family. With the arrival of this season of change, I have been reminded that while it is necessary, inevitable, and good — it is not easy. While I will face it, I am not sure I am really ready for it!