Changes

Lou Ann and I just returned from a trip to Florida. I wish I could say that it was for an extended vacation. It was nothing of the sort. Instead, we helped our daughter, her husband and two grandchildren move to Jupiter, Florida. We have been blessed to have them live within three miles of us for the last several years. They now live over a thousand miles away from us.

We have been reminded throughout this experience that life is full of changes, and we don't always handle them well. There have been moments when our emotions overtake us and the tears flow.

Churches also struggle with change. Often, when needed change is difficult, church leaders avoid it altogether. Mission Mid-Atlantic realizes that change is often difficult for both leaders and members. We are often called to assist churches to figure out what type of change is most needed, and also to see that appropriate change is implemented in the best way possible.

I spoke on the phone recently with a pastor whose church went through the Ministry Mapping process. He expressed his appreciation for how Mission Mid-Atlantic helped to lead their church through some significant changes, and also reported that those changes had resulted in increased ministry effectiveness.

As Lou Ann and I are learning, even though navigating the turbulent waters of change is difficult, it is possible to embrace it and move on.