Staying v. Going

I've been very careful (and prayed for God's help regarding this specifically) to avoid being overtly repetitious when it comes to these daily prayers posts. Yet at the end of the day, there are countless situations and challenges that we continually bring before the Lord in prayer until we see something happen, until there's an answer, a movement, a sense of direction.

So it is, during times and potential times of transition. What brings this topic to the forefront again, was the couple of posts I read yesterday when we prayed for Associate Pastors' wide-range of responsibilities, for which some of them actually come with a title of "pastor". Found on one of the sites, was the notion (often suggested or perceived) was that after a few years as an associate, that there should be a natural move, progression and seeking of "moving up" to senior... of leading an entire church, rather than overseeing an area of responsibility.

Yet, as the church, as an organization, changes and roles of associates become more specific in nature, using their talents and giftings that allow senior/lead pastors to focus on preaching and the study of the Word, then perhaps its not a good idea for turn-over in associate positions to occur so frequently.

We see this in the marketplace all the time. People change jobs for a variety of reasons, but the points of decision get challenging. Do you change things up because you are almost at a breaking point? Do you change if you can't figure out how to make things better that are within your control? How much time to you give to that process, before you move on? How do you know when is the best time to depart? How do you know which is the best opportunity to move toward? What factors carry the most weight in making the decision?

These are things I've had to ponder on numerous occasions.  I have friends in and outside of ministry asking the same questions. They take time to discuss. Time to pray. Time to consider. And most importantly, time to seek the face of God, for His will and what He would have waiting for those who trust in Him. If it's true for the believer, why would we put an expectation on pastors as to when and where and why they should change things up in their ministry?

Let God Lead!!

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would indeed, take the lead in guiding and directing pastors, in their place of ministry, in their areas of responsibility... in the timing, of when He says "stay where you are planted" and when He begins preparing for "transplant" and the words, "go over there". May there be a peace and renewed trust as we seek His face for guidance and direction in the conversations of such decisions. May there be a faithfulnesss until the work is complete. While the move is both sad and exciting, may there be a renewed sense of vigor and vitality of "what's next" in the plans and purposes of God;, by His Sovereign Hand.

May God go before us to prepare the way. May God continue to water us, while we stay.
Used for His glory. Wherever we are. Wherever He would take us.

- PNC

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