Strengthening Your Faith
From the beginning of our Christian journey, and throughout our spiritual development, we strive to increase our faith. Growing in
Every leader experiences a season of transition. It may entail expansion, downsizing, purchasing, building, restructuring, etc. Regardless of the purpose, the process is critical to success. This study will equip us to lead effectively through our season of change.
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE PROCESS
“And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.” Luke 4:13-14 KJV
To successfully lead in any capacity we must be mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared. After he was baptized, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. He emerged in the power of the Spirit after 40 days of fasting and a confrontation with the devil.
We must prepare ourselves for the wilderness of transition by fasting, praying, and seeking the face of God for wisdom and direction. In the season of change we will face opposition, obstacles, and negative opinions. There will be highs and lows, ups and downs, victories and defeats. Prepare yourself to endure the rigors of leading through transition.
“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23 KJV
QUESTION: How are you preparing yourself for the next level of your leadership?
DEVELOP AND PREPARE A TRANSITION TEAM
“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them…” Matthew 5:1-2 KJV
After Jesus separated himself from his disciples to pray and rest, he called them to him to teach and empower them. Leading through transition is a challenging and demanding task. It is critical to seek the Lord’s guidance for developing a transition team of leaders who will support you through the process. They must trust God in you and believe in the vision He has given you because they will be the liaison between you and those you are leading. Your responsibility is to strengthen your team with prayer, encouragement, and clarity of the vision, for them to communicate it thoroughly to your constituency.
QUESTION: Who are you connected to that is capable and committed to your vision?
COUNT THE COST
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish – lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.” Luke 14:28-30 KJV
From the design of creation to the plan of salvation, we have witnessed that our God is strategic and methodical in everything He does. Transition can be costly and risky. It requires a well developed plan to effectively and efficiently execute the vision.
Discuss with your team possible alternatives that will accomplish your goals, minimize costs, and be more effective.
QUESTIONS: Is the transition a necessity at this time? Is it for the good of the whole or to fulfill your personal ambition? What will be the long-term benefits?
COUNT THE COST (CONT’D)
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish – lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.” Luke 14:28-30 KJV
The cost of transition will be more than financial. It may require a greater level of self-sacrifice than you anticipated. It could result in the loss of valued loyalties, and long-time supporters, due to their lack of willingness to commit to the process, or failure to embrace the vision. Such losses can be daunting. However, as believers, we trust God’s provision for the vision.
QUESTION: Are you willing to pay the cost for the transition? Do you trust God enough to move forward despite the losses?
DETERMINE THE TIMELINE
“And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2-3
Transition should not be a spur of the moment decision. Consider every demographic of your group as you calculate the timeline of the transition. It is critical for all participants to have the time they need to become comfortable and familiar with the vision. They must be allowed to ask questions and be given time to buy into the process. Be as inclusive as possible when developing your strategy, so no one feels left out.
When presenting the vision for transition to the group-at-large, it must be communicated clearly and with honesty. Provide frequent updates, sharing the losses as well as the wins. If the transition is a large project, it will be less overwhelming to implement in phases. Some people will come along immediately. Others will need more time to digest the vision and determine where they will fit in the scheme of things. There will be some who will never agree, openly oppose the transition, and possibly leave the congregation or organization. Do not allow the losses to cause you to lose sight of the vision.
SUGGESTION: Make the vision plain, and be integral throughout the transition process.
From the beginning of our Christian journey, and throughout our spiritual development, we strive to increase our faith. Growing in
The corporate world seeks leadership qualities such as influence, innovation, vision, and resilience. These traits are key components of leadership.