Ministry changes are a big deal. At times, they can be a tremendous blessing. Other times, they can be challenging. Sometimes, they can be both. I recently made a change in my vocational ministry position. My decision-making process may be helpful to others who are contemplating their specific ministry calling. Here are the factors that helped me make my decision.
I Experienced An Unexplained Burden
Like other ministers, I’ve been offered new opportunities in the past. I was never compelled to seriously consider those positions. I was happy as the lead pastor at my church. God was working powerfully through our church. I was joyful and content.
However, something about this opportunity hit me differently. It was hard to explain. The only way to describe it was that it felt like a heavy burden, one I clearly felt was from the Lord. The only challenge was discerning what the burden meant. I needed some advice, and I received it.
I Received Good and Godly Advice
As I considered this new opportunity, my mind was swirling with confusion. I’m a firm believer in the wisdom of godly friends who love you, so I sought that wisdom. I received much good advice and encouragement. Some affirmed how difficult it would be to leave my church, while others reminded me to prioritize my family. There were four specific pieces of advice that really spoke to me.
First, one mentor in my life noted that he could already tell I would come to realize God was leading me to the new position. He sensed it before I did. Second, when I noted how hard it would be to leave my church, a pastor friend noted that God often calls us to do the hard things. Third, that same friend challenged me to consider why I felt more burdened about this opportunity than about other times I had the chance to change positions. Finally, a friend from my seminary days lovingly challenged me not to be prideful by worrying about what everyone would think of me if I decided to accept this offer. Godly advice is a treasure.
I Felt a Sense of “Mission Accomplished”
There were so many dreams and aspirations I had for my church that went unfulfilled. We had great momentum, growth, and unity as a church. On the one hand, it made no sense to leave after so many of the difficult tasks had been accomplished. Yet, on the other hand, it made perfect sense to step away.
What originally attracted me to serve as pastor at my church was its desperate need for revitalization. It went through a very difficult time that left the church fractured, hurting, and angry. I wanted to be used by God to help turn the church around. I dreamed of a church that, by God’s grace, would become unified, healthy, and loving. In that sense, the mission was accomplished. Essentially, I felt the Lord saying, “Matt, your job here is done.”
I Consulted My Family
I would never want to make a ministry change that would take a toll on my family. Never. My wife initially responded as I did: “That’s a kind offer, but God has us here.” Then God began to change both our hearts. She began to see how God could use me in another setting without it negatively affecting our family.
My oldest son was open to the idea, especially because our family would not have to move. We love where we live, and that was a major factor in my decision-making. Our younger sons were not consulted in the process, but they were certainly considered. Through my family, God helped bring clarity to a confusing situation.
I Considered My Giftings
On many occasions, I’ve mentioned that God has most naturally gifted me for an executive pastor role. Yet I’ve never actually served in that role. I served in youth ministry, missions ministry, and most recently as a lead pastor. Now, an opportunity lies before me to serve as an executive pastor.
I have no doubt that God has used me positively as a lead pastor. It’s a joy to lead the people of First Baptist Church Bartow. They respond well to my teaching, vision, and leadership. Yet the opportunity to serve in a position that fits my natural giftings was hard to pass up. I sensed that God was giving me an opportunity to unleash some gifts in a way I haven’t been able to before.
I Counted the Cost
When making the decision, several realities came to mind. It would be heartbreaking to leave the church I love so much. It would be hard on my church to lose their pastor. It would be an adjustment for my two younger sons to leave the only church they’ve ever known. It would be strange not to be the senior leader. I’d have to drive much farther to the office (my previous commute was only six minutes).
Yet, even with all of these factors, I still felt the Lord calling me to go. What’s more, there were costs associated with staying in my current position. As with every big decision in my life, I counted the cost. After I did so, I saw more clearly.
I Sensed Clarity
When I finally had all the factors in front of me, I sensed clarity about what to do. I sensed that God was clearly calling me to become the Executive Pastor of Discipleship at Lakes Church in Lakeland, Florida. I would be able to stretch my giftings. I would be able to serve alongside my best friend in ministry (Aaron Burgner, the senior pastor at Lakes Church). I would be able to lead and develop a large church staff. I would be able to foster a discipleship strategy for a large body of followers of Jesus. The opportunities were many.
When I finally made the decision, I felt peace; peace that surpasses all understanding. It was still very difficult. It was difficult to break the hearts of people I love. It was difficult to step into an unfamiliar role. It was difficult to release my dream of one day retiring from First Baptist Church. However, though it was difficult, it was good.
Have you made a big ministry transition? What helped you in the decision-making process? Comment below to share with others. Looking to connect more with church leaders and church experts? Consider becoming a member of Church Answers for only $9.97 per month. Learn more here.
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