Negotiating Transition (Part 1) Rev. Gary Crowl
Negotiating Transition (Part 1) Rev. Gary Crowl
Gary Crowl has served in a variety of ministry capacities since 1979. For eleven years, Gary was a part of the staff at Kenneth Hagin Ministries, serving as an Associate Pastor, Assistant Director of the RHEMA Ministerial Association International, the Dean and an Instructor of RHEMA Bible Training Center. Prior to his service at RHEMA, Gary pioneered and pastored four churches and two bible schools in three different nations of the world. He is a 1979 graduate of RHEMA Bible Training Center and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Church Ministries from Southwestern University.Currently, Gary travels throughout the world, training and educating men and women to discover their purpose in life. Gary’s true passion is focused on providing direction, training, vision, and resources for leaders in unreached nations of the world.
For more information you may e-mail him at [email protected].
At some time or another, every minister will experience transition in his or her life or ministry. Sometimes the transition is simply making changes or adjustments to what God has called us to do. At other times, transition can mean a complete change of ministry direction or focus, moving from one phase of ministry to another. Either way, transition in ministry has its own unique challenges that must be identified and addressed if we are to successfully follow God’s plan for our lives.
Transition can be a potentially vulnerable time for a minister because he or she is faced with the prospect of change, which usually requires personal sacrifice and additional commitment. Change also carries with it the concept of the unknown. Even if the minister has received specific direction from the Lord, there is always an element of the unknown attached to that new direction. For example, during a change of ministry there are usually many minor details that are not clearly known. It is the details of the transition that can create mixed emotions and uncertainty.
Sometimes transition occurs because of circumstances that are beyond our control. At that point we must understand that God is never surprised by anything that takes place in our lives. God’s plan never changes for us, even if we experience minor setbacks.
Regardless of why we are in the midst of a transition, there are several things that can help us negotiate the challenges associated with change. Always remember the following:
God has a master plan for your life
The Bible clearly states that God has a specific plan and purpose for every individual.
Philippians 2:13 – For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (KJV)
Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (KJV)
Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct you and guide you along the best pathway for your life, I will advise you and watch your progress. (LB)
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Amplified)
God’s plan and purpose already contains everything we need to successfully fulfill what God has called us to do. God’s plan is fully furnished with His power and ability, His grace and wisdom, His blessing and provision. We must remind ourselves that regardless of what God has called us to do, His plan will always lead us into a life of fullness and significance. We must put our complete faith and confidence in what God has spoken to us concerning not only the present, but also the future.
So during a time of transition, our minds and hearts can experience rest and peace, because we know that regardless of what minor inconveniences we may experience, ultimately the eternal benefits far outweigh the temporal challenges.
2 Corinthians 4:18 – While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Remember, during a time of transition, to keep your mind and heart focused on the reality that God has a specific plan and purpose for you life and as we are faithful to follow Him, He will ultimately bring it to pass.
Keep yourself spiritually healthy
Many people have difficulty with transition because they fail to maintain their spiritual health.
Proverbs 24:10 – If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. (KJV) The Message version reads – If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place. Many times ministers fail during a time of transition, not because they do not know what to do, but they fail to maintain the spiritual and mental strength necessary to make the transition.
Ephesians 3:16 says – That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (KJV) This verse indicates that our spiritual strength can be built up or increased. Every transition in life and ministry will require additional spiritual and mental strength. Usually a time of transition suggests that we are about to move into a new or different level of ministry. I have found that when this is the case, God is asking us to deepen our spiritual resolve and commitment. As a general rule this usually requires the minister to assume greater responsibility. The strength needed for this deeper commitment can only come from a life that maintains a close relationship with God the Father through His Word and through prayer.
In Luke 4:4 – And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Jesus is simply saying that what food is to our physical bodies, God’s Word is to our spirits. If we expect to remain spiritually strong and healthy, then we must consistently feed our spirits on the Word of God.
John 6:63 – What gives life is God’s Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God’s life-giving Spirit. (Good News Bible) We must understand that our source of strength is spiritual and that it comes from consistently feeding our spirits on God’s Word. Obviously, our spiritual life will have an effect on our minds and our bodies. That is why it is so important to maintain a healthy spiritual life, especially when the physical and mental demands associated with transition are placed upon us.
Even after you receive clear direction from God, there may arise opportunities for you to give up or to quit. Doubts can come to mind. Adverse circumstances may come into your life to either discourage you or to cause you to become distracted. All of these pressures can drain you if you are not spiritually fit.
Ephesians 6:10,11 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Notice that the Devil will try his best to bring distractions into your life, especially when you are about to move into a greater part of God’s plan. How do we stand? How do we overcome? We stand because of our union with Christ, by relying on His strength and by placing ourselves in the full armor of God.
Remember, during a time of transition, maintain your spiritual strength. Strengthen your spirit by daily feeding yourself on God’s Word. Wrap yourself in God’s armor and rely on the power and the strength of the Greater One to help you.
Prayer is not optional
I heard one man say that what we are currently experiencing in our life and ministry is the direct result of what we have or have not prayed about days, weeks, months or even years before. In other words, what we are currently experiencing or not experiencing in our lives, is to a great extent connected to our prayer life. That is why our individual prayer life is so important when it comes to discovering God’s plan for our lives.
Colossians 1:9 – Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. (The Message Version)
I believe this prayer Paul prayed for the Christians in the Colossian church was inspired by the Holy Spirit. He prayed that they might fully discover God’s will for their lives. Christians today can pray this same way and can expect to know God’s complete will for their lives.
As we spend time praying about God’s plan and purpose for our lives, God begins to unfold or reveal what that plan is. I have found that God doesn’t always reveal His entire plan at one time, but gradually as we are faithful to obey Him in every stage of life and ministry.
Another very important part of prayer is to spend time waiting in God’s presence. Acts 13:2 says, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” We can see as these men waited before the Lord, as they spent time in God’s presence, they received clear direction from the Holy Spirit concerning the plan of God for Saul and Barnabas.
During a time of transition, it is very important for us not to make decisions too quickly. A transition time can be a vulnerable time, a time when many different thoughts and suggestions come into our minds. That is why it is so important to take time to wait in the presence of the Lord, spend much time praying in other tongues, so that the Holy Spirit can give clear and concise direction to your spirit.
Remember, during a time of transition; spend time in the presence of the Lord. Give yourself to much prayer, especially praying in other tongues. As you quiet your mind and listen to the Holy Spirit, you will receive a witness in your spirit concerning the plan and purpose of God for your life.
Stay Practical
Acts 6:2 – Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. (KJV) In this passage we understand that the early church was growing so quickly that the apostles could not adequately handle all of the responsibilities by themselves. So they took it upon themselves to select qualified individuals to help them with the day to day operations of the church. Notice how they made this decision. They said, “..it is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.” There is no indication in this passage that they made their decision based on a supernatural experience with God. In other words, it appears that they made this decision based on practical observation and common sense.
One of the most difficult things for some people to remember during a time of transition is to stay practical. It is easy at times to become so spiritually minded that we forget about the day-to-day duties that require sober thinking and common sense. Even if we are in the midst of a transition, we still have our daily routines and family responsibilities that must be considered.
If married, we must be especially considerate of the needs of our spouse and children. They may not fully understand the spiritual dynamics of the decision making process during a time of transition. So it is advisable to maintain a sense of normalcy when it comes to where you live, school issues, and relationships with friends and family. It may even require a person to find temporary employment to offset unexpected or additional expenditures. It is neither unscriptural nor unspiritual to provide for yourself or your family’s needs. As a matter of fact, the Bible seems to indicate the exact opposite (1 Timothy 5:8). During all the transitions that have taken place in my life, I have always maintained the attitude that I am willing to do whatever it takes to obey God and to provide for my family, even if that means finding employment.
It is also important to keep the lines of communication open with your spouse and your family. Openness and honesty are two necessary virtues in creating unity and cohesiveness in relationships. Many times during a transition there are opportunities for misunderstanding due to temporary inconveniences or setbacks. It is during these times that communication can play a vital role in resolving issues. Please make sure that whatever decisions are made, you and your spouse are in agreement. Negotiating transition is much easier when you both agree that you are moving in line with God’s will. Amos 3:3 – Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (KJV)
I personally believe that how we relate to our children and our spouses during a time of transition can shape their attitudes about life and ministry, and may even potentially affect their view of what it means to serve God. I do not believe that we are to neglect our spouse or children’s needs in order to pursue our own personal ambitions apart from God’s plan. Following God’s plan may require some sacrifices, but when we know God is leading, He will not only furnish the grace and the strength, He will also supply every need and bring blessing into our lives and the lives of our family.
Not only should we consider the responsibilities we have toward our family, it is also important to make sure that we take care of ourselves both physically and mentally. It is important to take time to rest and refresh ourselves. It is much easier to hear the voice of God and to distinguish between emotion and the voice of Holy Spirit when we are rested and refreshed in mind and body.
Remember, during a time of transition; stay practical. Do not neglect the day to day needs that you or your family may have. I believe if you honor your family, God will honor you by supplying you with whatever you may have need of during a transition in life or ministry.
Part two will include:
Don’t give in to Peer Pressure
Focus on what you are called to do
Know your own company
Timing is everything
