The Change train is arriving

Transition: "The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another."

I spent the second week of my trip to the Sunshine State in Orlando at the Exponential Conference. Exponential is the largest single gathering of church planters in the world. Nearly 5,000 people attend, all of whom are involved in starting new churches in some manner. I started following this event when it was much smaller (150-200), and it has been gratifying to see the conference thrive. Since about the same number of churches die each year, it is good to know that probably a few more congregations get started than expire.

I matured in ministry with a group of leaders largely responsible for initiating a new generation of church planting in America. This large group of good friends is now aging and getting the opportunity to see the fruits of our labor from a new vantage point. Two close friends and pioneers of this movement are retiring this year, and I am excited for them. But their transition will not come without a bit of pain because life will change.

Not so long ago, there was a time when the best part of the conference was the gathering of like souls chatting, sharing "war" stories, victories, and family updates while enjoying a fine cigar. Now, most of that group has aged out of the event and passed their work to new generations. It's a common transition in life no matter what your vocation.

During the first conference session, the speaker asked first-timers at the event to stand. Nearly half the audience rose, which means the conference is still drawing a large group of new advocates and practitioners each year. How exciting! Someday, like all events of this nature, it will run its course, and new endeavors will stand in its place. Another transition will ensue, and many leaders will be forced to adjust. Some will go kicking and screaming; some will be worn out and ready, while others will quickly embrace something new.

Meanwhile, I attended the annual Stadia event one evening. This church planting organization with whom I've worked for years does its yearly national gathering during this conference. Throughout the evening, I have always encountered many friends from across the country whom I might only see once a year. Not so much this year, though. Like the larger conference attendance, the Stadia gathering consists of many new faces, and they change every year. Many young, excited church planters stood when the President asked those launching a new church this year to stand. Dozens stood. Then those who have started in the past two, three, four, and five years. By then, most of the crowd was standing, meaning these leaders were newcomers. The organization is transitioning. The celebration is now planned by younger people like my daughters, which meant the event format also morphed, and the organization's leaders are primarily of a younger generation than myself.

I experienced moments of nostalgia throughout the evening and beyond, some with a bit of sadness. But the mourning was fleeting because so many young men and women are stepping up to the challenge of expanding God's Kingdom, which is beyond exciting to me. You see, my friends and I hoped beyond measure that our labor would endure long after our stint of leadership, and it has! 

Almost three years ago, I transitioned from working as a full-time church pastor to that as a writer, speaker, and leadership consultant. After forty years in located ministries, this was a significant adjustment that took a long while. In fact, I'm still adjusting to the change, but the entire process has been enjoyable. My pleasant transition makes me blessed because this metamorphosis is not always easy for anyone who has worked in the same field their whole working life.

Life is about transitions, isn't it? At any given time, each of us is experiencing some facet of life that has changed, and we find that we must change with it.

We move to a new home, and much of our life changes.

We start a new job.

We lose an old job.

We are now working from home.

It is our 40th birthday this year. How did that happen?

We graduated from high school or college.

There's now a baby in the family.

The divorce is final.

Our parents are aging and require more of us.

Serious illness has delivered its curse.

Our kids go off to school and then college and ultimately to a new city.

A loved one passes.

We awaken one morning to find that the world around us has changed, and it seems like a strange place.

There are now an infinite number of media options and devices to enjoy but they must be learned.

A new generation takes the reins. We must decrease, and they must increase.

We never thought it would happen, but retirement is upon us.

Life is indeed about transitions which means the sooner, and more effectively we learn to handle changes productively, the better off we will be. Here's some thoughts about coping with change well.

·      Change is necessary and inevitable; roll with it. Jimmy Buffett sings,

We've gotta roll with the punches
Learn to play all of our hunches
Make the best of whatever comes your way
Forget that blind ambition
And learn to trust your intuition
Plowin' straight ahead come what may

How could you doubt the wisdom of Mr. Buffett?

·      It's okay to be nostalgic but don't set up camp there. The good old days were not really that good. I have a friend who was close to an older woman. One day friend was lamenting the present condition of the world. "The world is so much worse than it used to be," she said. My friend replied, "Didn't you live through WWII? You think this is worse than a world war?" Her old friend replied, "Oops, I forgot about that." You cannot reclaim even the last hour, much less ten years ago. Live for the moment.

·      If you know a transition is coming, do your best to plan for the changes you'll encounter. I have friends who transitioned from living in an apartment to purchasing a home, and now they are responsible for upkeep, maintenance, and improvements. Big changes!

·      Develop a routine around your new life as quickly as possible. Routine brings security and confidence, and it speaks to us, "There are things I can control and practice even in my new situation."

·      Check your attitude regularly. Most life transitions are accompanied by things we don't like, at least at first. If you don't keep track, you will sabotage yourself with negative self-talk.

·      Rely on friends and family to share your new load. Transition is a team sport, and it is helpful to have people who will talk you through it.

·      Cut yourself some slack. Change is often complicated, and it takes more time to adjust than we desire. You're probably going to experience discomfort, and that is okay. Give yourself reasonable expectations and expect a few disappointments.

The "change train" is arriving at the station. In fact, it is already there, so get on board, settle in, and enjoy the ride. Life is an inspiring adventure to enjoy, even as it changes.

By the way, if you would like to see some clips of both the conference and celebration check out my Facebook pages – Don M. Hamilton or DonMarkHamilton.com.

Live Inspired!

Don Mark