Five Postures for Transition

 Sunnyside is in the middle of transition as it looks for a new senior pastor. Transitions can be an adventure full of opportunities and possibilities, or it can be filled with anxiety and fear of the unknown. As people who follow Jesus, there are some ways to posture ourselves that allows God to do what he wants to do as we navigate the transition.

Be Prayerful

I seems obvious, but it is always good to be reminded. Praying for wisdom, and peace, and grace, and insight, and for a smooth transition is helpful. Praying for good hearts and discernment and knowledge is important. Pray especially for the search committee as they carry significant responsibility in the process. More than anything, pray for God's will to be done. As some of my friends would say, "bathe it all in prayer."

Be Open

Whether we like it or not, transition means change. Few of us like change. But with change comes the possibility of God doing something new and something great. Be open to what God wants to do even though it may require getting used to the new and different.

Be Informed

This church tries to be as open with information as it possibly can be. It is important to keep informed with what is happening around the search process. Read the emails that are sent. Listen to the announcements. If you want to know something that you don't know - ask questions. When it comes down to it, selecting a pastor comes down to a prayerful choice. Being informed is part of the equation for making a good choice.

Be Wise

Wisdom has many facets. Wise people choose their words carefully when they are dealing with awkward situations. Wise people choose to show more love when anything threatens unity. Wise people refuse to be purveyors of rumours. Wise people understand that process is important to good outcomes. Humility flows from wisdom. Sunnyside has been a peaceful church because it is full of wise people. Continue the tradition.

Have Faith

Trust God. He wants what is best for Sunnyside. He is good and He is strong. Choose trust Him in the face of the unknown.

Your posture matters. Not letting ourselves be governed by anxiety and fear matters. For as we pray we become open to what God wants to do. As we keep informed we know how to pray. As we walk in wisdom, we see some of what God is up to. As we walk by faith we will see God do what only he can do.