Transitions

Transition: the process of changing from one state or style to another.

That is not a new or strange term for clergy and laity. Pastors come and go. Members join and transfer out. Leaders serve for a season and then are replaced by others willing to assume responsibilities. Some transitions are smooth, and other transitions, uh, don’t go so well. Through it all, we have learned many good lessons about transitions over the years. Such as, the need for patience and understanding while adjustments are being made, that the greater the participation the quicker things stabilize, being prepared to expect the unexpected, and above all, resting in the assurance that God’s got this. A preacher could preach a sermon series on transitions for several years and never lack for a biblical text.

The MidSouth Annual Conference is in a season of transition. Soon, after much prayer and consultation, Bishop Kenneth Levingston will appoint a successor to me as Conference Superintendent, effective July 1. Matthew Conover, who has served faithfully as our Conference Treasurer has accepted the invitation to become the Executive Director of Finance for the Global Methodist Church. Matt will continue as our Treasurer until we hire a new Treasurer. With the realignment of the Middle Tennessee District into two districts, Bishop Levingston appointed two new Presiding Elders to follow Stephen Lee: Jeff Jacob (Tennessee Valley District) and John Carpenter (Friendship District) and two more Presiding Elders, Jim Wofford (Florence District), and Aubrey Whitlow (Tazewell District) who follow, respectively, Kelly McClendon and Rodney Lawson. Thank you, Stephen, Kelly and Rodney, for your untiring and devoted service. Space will not allow me to share about all the pastors, ordinands, candidates, certified lay leaders, and many other disciples of Jesus who also are in a season of transition.

God is in the transition business and at work in the details as he changes us and the world from one state to another. One day, all the kingdoms of this world will be transformed into the fullness of the Kingdom of God. In the meantime, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is more than adequate for every change and every challenge. God’s got this, and God’s got you and me. What a joy it is to share the journey with you.