In Times of Transition Leadership Is Passed from Moses to Joshua

Today, the Clergy Peer Mentoring Group met to discuss leadership at Vital Church Initiative Churches. Deacon Loretta and I are part of the group that meets on a monthly basis. Our facilitator, Rev. Rick Dake opened by sharing the scripture from Numbers 27:12-23. The scripture describes the moment when God ordered Moses to hand leadership of the people of Israel over to Joshua.

Moses had led the people out of Egypt and Joshua would lead them into the Promised Land. God anointed a new leader because a new type of leadership was required. As transition toward a new way of doing ministry happens at Brighton First, your clergy are called to take on new leadership roles. We don't have the luxury of waiting for Joshua to lead us across the Jordan. We have to learn how to be that kind of leader.

Rev. Dake asked us to consider three questions. As a leader, helping people to transition into a new way of being the church 1) What are you willing to let go of? 2) What do you need to do more of? 3) What will new beginnings in the ministry of this church require of me?

I know that I will have to let go of much of what is considered the traditional pastoral role, doing a little bit of everything. In this time of transition, I am called to keep the vision of what is possible before the congregation and to offer reassurance. I need to be communicating clearly and making sure that leaders know what I know. Ultimately, I am empowering leaders to do ministry.

As our congregation transitions in how we do Christian education, community outreach and worship members of our faith community may be uneasy about the changes or concerned about their place in the future of the church. My role is to listen carefully to concerns, to clarify our new priorities as a church, and to be open to the creative and gifted leadership of Brighton First members.

I realized today that what I am learning about journeying with people through transition is what I have been doing in my 24 years of pastoral ministry. Parishioners' transitions have included having babies and saying goodbye to children as they move into adulthood. I have been with people as their lives change, including graduations, marriages, career changes, retirements and deaths.

Because change is a part of life, why would the same not be true of the living, dynamic church? Much of what I do as a pastor caring for those in personal transition will apply to church leadership. I will listen, offer comfort and pray. I will seek resources and support that best fits the situation. I will remember and be sure to remind all of us on this journey that we are not alone. God through Jesus Christ goes with us.