Learning from Transitions

Do you like change? Some of us enjoy the variety and newness of change; others dislike the disruption and uncertainty it brings. Some of us prefer to revisit the same places for vacation because we want to know what to expect; others will always find a new location and enjoy the unknown and newness.

Organizationally, most of us would say that change for the ‘right’ reasons is good and needed but may not be pleasant for those affected by the change process. Many of us witnessed this during our recent global reorganization. When the organizational design became clear, it significantly impacted over 500 staff serving worldwide at the Global and Area levels, including myself. The organizational change led to a time of transition for the people affected.

For two years, along with many of you, I’ve been dancing an unscripted choreography to new music playing all around the organization. It’s been challenging! Ultimately, I’m optimistic that the designed effects of the reorg will help strengthen the national-level ministry. However, there is still much to figure out to get us all dancing together. 

In July 2023, I stepped out of my relatively ‘new’ role on the Global LDHR team as the Regional LDHR Leader for Europe. That means that I’m going through a transition again!

Why? The reasons that took me and my family from Russia to Hungary in 2014 have all changed. Years ago, there was an Area Team, a school for our kids, and an office for meetings. None of those reasons compel us to stay today, other than we enjoy living in Hungary! Looking forward, we don’t feel the Lord calling us to serve internationally in a 4th country, so we’re returning to the US after 26 years abroad. Yes, it feels like a big transition!

What I’ve learned about transition:

1. Maybe the Lord wants this, even if I don’t feel like it. We are called into a dynamic relationship with the Lord, who has many plans for us. If I am willing to trust Him and take steps of faith, I find out what those plans are, even when it’s uncomfortable.
2. Change is inevitable, so I prepare myself and also enjoy each day because I don’t know what tomorrow will be like. My attitude can make a difference – if I am pessimistic or optimistic.
3. If I highly value stability and constancy, transition will be more difficult. So, I try to build flexibility and variety into my current days to help me prepare for future change.
4. Changes will not lead me to a tomorrow just like today. Organizational change, leading to personal transition, will always lead me somewhere new. If I constantly try to reestablish my former ‘normal,’ I will be frustrated and ultimately ineffective. It’s better to embrace my current reality and my ‘new’ normal.
5. Reality is my friend. When I embrace my current reality (and future one) with a learner’s heart, I can see what new and significant contributions I might make. Failure to do this will sideline me and leave me frustrated.

I will continue on the Global LDHR team, serving on Paul Cheesman’s Resourcing Team. Lori, my wife, and I plan to move to Chicago, IL, this fall. We want to live in a large city, engage in local ministry part-time, enjoy the multicultural atmosphere, and live more simply in a high-rise (no more yard work, please). Lori will continue in her role (Global Leader Strategies).

These are some current thoughts on transition and the inherent challenges I’m facing.

How do they relate to the changes you are facing?