“Sharing Christ Together In a Season of Change”
Category: Pastor's Column(Adapted from a previously published letter in the November edition of “The Tidings”)
I find it fitting that my ministry as Interim Pastor at Flora First Christian Church began in the middle of fall as the leaves were beginning to turn their vibrant colors. Due to the dry summer season, the fall foliage began their “fire- works” display much later than usual, and stuck around much longer as well. I arrived in Flora following one of our driest Indiana summers in recent years, and even in October I found myself in the middle of the changing of the seasons.
An intentional interim ministry, or transitional ministry, is quite similar to the changing of the seasons that we are experiencing here in scenic North Central Indiana. I have often heard it said that the only sure thing in life is that things will change. An interim ministry is the in-between period of two full time, permanent pastors. In recent years this period has become known as transitional ministry.
In transitional ministry, an interim pastor seeks to prepare a congregation for their next pastor, and the ministry they will share together. The Elder leadership of Flora First Christian Church set an intentional direction that this period of time will consist of training with the elders, committees, and teams in the development of some new and different skills. It is my privilege to be a part of this ministry.
I am enjoying my time of change and discovery as we explore together meaningful worship expressions, our service through outreach, study as we grow in God’s written Word, the Bible, and in the fellowship of God’s living Word, Jesus Christ.
The changing of the seasons fills us with the promise that God is with us through nature’s changes, but more so, God is present to lead us through life’s changes, challenges, obstacles, and victories. (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-10) The changing season is a visual picture of where we are as a congregation.
Change is representative of the world in which we live that calls us to discern how God would lead us to reach others for Christ.
Change is also representative of what happens to us as Christians: If anyone is in Christ the old has passed away the new has come. (II Corinthians 5:17) “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you in a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
As new creations . . . Christians . . . we are to be constantly changing or transforming into the way and image of Jesus Christ through God’s Holy Spirit. There’s a quote that has found its way to many plaques and posters that announces: “Be patient with me, God’s not done with me yet.” That should be every one of us. If we’re not transforming, we’re not growing.
In His Grace,
Sam
