Recently my bank changed the format of the monthly statement is sends me. When I opened the first one, my initial reaction was, "I don't like this". However, after balancing my checking account, I found out it was a good change. My doctor recently stopped giving prescriptions written on paper. Instead of handing me a prescription like he always did, he punched a few clicks on his computer and said: "It's done". Well, I wasn't too sure how "done" it really was until I went to the pharmacy and found out it really was a better way of doing things. change can be difficult, it can be upsetting, but usually it works out for the best.

Since Pastor Max stepped down, our church has been in a time of transition, However, we have an interim pastor to keep things going. We also have Pulpit Committee that is working very hard to make preparations for a permanent pastor. The best thing we can do during this time of transition is to be in prayer for our church leadership that our Heavenly Father will give strength and wisdom to our Pulpit Committee and our Board of Elders. The second thing we can do is pray for each other. Paul told the church at Ephesus "to walk in a manner worthy of the calling which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:1-3 ESV). That is good advice for any church at any time, but is very good advice for a church in transition.

Finally, the Bible reminds us that in this ever-changing world there is one thing that does not change.  Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. (Psalms 90: 1-2, 4 ESV)

Every good gift and evert perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17 ESV)  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 ESV) 

While everything may change around us, God will always remain consistent. He will always be the rock upon which we can build our lives. He will always be the anchor that holds us steady. He will always be our protector and our guide. We will always be safe in Him.

Learn more about Good Shepherd Evangelical Church online: www.gsevc.org

Note: The Evangelical Association offers support for churches in pastoral transition.  The EPRN (Evangelical Pastor Referral Network) helps to link pastoral search committee's with EA pastors and provides useful documents to aid search committees in discerning what kind of the pastor would be the right fit for their congregation.