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It has been great having the new Jakarta Team here in Indonesia. Even though we have been together for only a week, we have been able to bond quickly together. Recently, our team, along with the new team went away to a retreat center to pray together and prepare for the next chapter in our church. For the next two weeks, we will be transitioning the various responsibilities over to the new team; and the current team will assist in the assimilation process.
It has been encouraging for me to see our current Jakarta Team being so helpful to the new team. It just reminds me the importance of the partnership in the Gospel. We are not doing this alone. As my family and I prepare to make the transition back to the States, I have full confidence that God will lead our church to the next level.
In the last few days, I have been thinking about the importance of transitions. Transitions in life are not easy for many reasons. So, I have been reflecting on the process of transitions for our family and the church. In my reflection, I have made some important observations on what will help in a smooth(-er) transition:
2) Train the people. We have to make sure that the two groups of people are trained for the transition. The group that are leaving and the group that are coming in have different things that they have to be trained in; therefore, it is vital that we leave no stone unturned.
3) Transfer the responsibilities. One of the big principles that I have been teaching people is the 5-step process of discipleship. It is simply: a) I do, you watch; b) I do, you help; c) You do, I help; d) You do, I watch; e) Repeat the process with someone else. We cannot forget this process as we transfer the responsibilities. This will require some time but the principles cannot be violated.
4) Take time to pray and then act. Often times, transitions cause so much stress that we natural want to take matters into our own hands. It is crucial that we pause and spend some time in prayer. It reminds us that we are not in control and God is greater, bigger, and stronger. When we pray, it gives us confidence as we move forward in the transition.
5) Trust in God. Ultimately everything is in the Lord’s hands. No matter how well we prepare for a transition, there are many x-factors that can cause all our planning to go out the door. This is why we need to learn how to trust and depend on God to lead us into the future. The greater our view of God, the greater we will be able to have faith that everything is going to work out for our good and for His glory.