Change

by Pat Williams, Vice-Chair of the Governing Board

While some thrive in change, many would rather need not experience it.  It was change that moved us from the days of “snail mail” to email and text messages.  Less personal?  Probably.  More efficient? Absolutely!  Innovation leads to change.  The Kmart employee begrudges change, while the Amazon employee is thankful for it.  Change, in and of itself is neither positive nor negative, but we fear the uncertainty that accompanies it.  Webster’s Dictionary defines change as “undergoing transformation, transition or substitution; to exchange or switch.”  If change is not defined negatively, why do we struggle so much?  Fear. 

We can fear failure.  Change usually looks like new territory and can lead to a lot of trial and error.  Fear of stepping into failure can keep us from change.  We can fear pain.  We don’t want to feel the mental, emotional or even spiritual pain that can be involved with change.  We can fear discomfort.  We know what we know and change often forces us to face some unknown.  Our Father is not surprised by these fears and guides us with promises from His Word:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you what the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”  Psalm 55:22

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7

It is with these promises that the Governing Board unanimously voted on July 8 to begin the search process of hiring a Transitional Pastor.  A Transitional Pastor (sometimes referred to as Interim Pastor) will fill several key functions within our church body:

• Affirms the Church’s strengths and addresses any issues
• Helps clarify the Church’s mission, vision and values
• Facilitates any actions that will further strengthen the Church
• Coaches the pastoral search team and prepares the Church for its’ new pastor

While there is not a predetermined time period (though it will likely be in the 6-12 month range) that a Transitional Pastor works with a church, it is understood that this individual would not become a permanent replacement.

It was May 30, 1982 at the age of 21 that Cal Ripken Jr. began a streak of playing 2,632 consecutive games over 17 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles.  This surpassed the previous streak by over 500 games!!  On September 20, 1998, Ripken suddenly decided to end his streak when the Orioles had been eliminated from playoff contention.  About 30 minutes before the game the coach told his replacement, Ryan Minor, to get his gear and get ready to play in place of Ripken.  While Ryan Minor was certainly not the focus that night, it is a night he will likely never forget.  Unfortunately for Minor, he played only 9 more games that season and a total of 162 in his career.  He was never expected to be the next Ripken. 

God has blessed the Carlisle Alliance Church with Pastor Tim and his family for 21+ seasons.  Prayer, trusting our Father’s timing, the unwavering commitment of the Elders/Governing Board to the growth of the CAC family, and a Transitional Pastor will lead us through our period of change.