“Transitions are a normal part of life that come when we find ourselves in between moving from what we know but have not quite settled into what is new yet.” (R. Taibbi, Psychology Today.)
Transitions can be good or bad depending on how we negotiate the changes in life rhythms that come. It often becomes necessary to adjust your familiar routine and embrace a new rhythm so you can continue to grow.
June and I are now a few weeks beyond the 45th Anniversary Celebration of the church we helped found called Fellowship of Christians. We enjoyed an amazing weekend celebrating and connecting with old and new friends. We officially turned the Senior Leader role over to our good friends, Chris & Tara Abington. It seemed to be a healthy transition. Our hearts are full with a deep sense of gratitude for what God has done and at the same time, a growing faith to fully embrace the next chapter of our journey. It’s been our understanding and experience that when the Holy Spirit gives Godly direction it should seem easy and any weight or burden of it feel light. Walking in a way that feels light in our spirit and easy to carry are the indicators we look for to know if we are, in deed, walking in God’s will for our lives. To be honest, we’re still feeling ‘in between’ in some ways. We are confident we’ve heard from the Lord to make this transition, but aware of our need for rest and replenishing from all the activity and emotional investment of the past few months.
So we are writing down our thoughts as part of the process we use to find perspective. It is my hope to transition well from the familiar role of Founding Senior Pastor to a new season of apostolic and prophetic ministry. I’ve been serving as a consultant to churches and individuals for some time. I’ve logged quite a few miles this year away from ‘my normal job.’ June and I are both finding the need to break some ‘muscle-memory’ rhythm patterns to re-train ourselves for what this season involves. We want to keep in step with the Holy Spirit as I travel more. June is now organising the travel and financial side of things, while continuing to teach 20-25 saxophone lessons each week. We still serve in our church community. And we are both increasingly in demand as grand-parents! My friend Bill Leckie says, “Change can be wonderfully terrifying!” But we know this, God is good and is worthy of our trust.
You may also be in a life transition. It is our hope that sharing these thoughts as we negotiate this next phase of our journey will be helpful to you. Two scripture passages are proving to be helpful and timely for us currently:
Read slowly and repeat as needed:
Matthew 11:29-30: “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (The Message)
Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen.” (NIV)
Do share your thoughts with us in the comments section of this blog. We also love getting ‘snail mail’ at:
Wayne Drain Ministries, P.O. Box 304, Russellville, Arkansas 72811-0304 U.S.A.
We’ll send another update soon to let you know how it goes. You can keep up with our travels by clicking on the Schedule tab. Do remember to pray for us as we will for you.
Blessings,
Wayne & June
(If you would like to give a financial gift or contribute regularly, you can make checks to Wayne Drain Ministries and send to the address above, or you can click on the Donate Button on our Home Page. It’s tax deductible.)
