I am about to begin my second year serving as pastor to a 118 year old church. As the first female pastor in their history some new territory is being forged and will continue to be over the course of the next year. Today is the day many United Methodist pastor's preached their last sermons before moving on to new appointments in new churches. It is a bittersweet time for both pastors and congregations. Some are sad to leave and some are sad to be left while some are anxious to move on and some congregations can't wait for the pastor to move on :). All that being said these changes can be difficult on everyone involved. There are few people I know who like change or seek it out. It's hard, it's uncomfortable, it's takes a lot of energy. Sometimes difference feels like the wrong way to some, just because it's different. What I know is this. A lot of prayer and discernment goes into these decisions and moves and I believe that God is in it. I believe that God knows far more than we do and that these changes should be seen as opportunities to grow for all involved. Ultimately it's not about us, it is about God and God's purposes and plans for us all. Surrendering to that is the hard part.
What I do know for sure is that in a world that is constantly changing around us, change is inevitable. The challenge is seeing these changes as an opportunity to grow, to sharpen our skills, and tone some muscles. As the church we must be poised to meet the changing landscape both inside and outside the doors of the buildings where we worship, to step outside our comfort zones, and learn who our neighbors are and what speaks to their hearts. We have to be willing to put our own likes, preferences, and comfort aside for the opportunity to share God's love with others.
I pray this year of continuing change will be instrumental in my "going on to perfection" as John Wesley would say, and that we all might be further shaped into the reflection of God we were created to be.
