Shepherding Congregations Through Transition

Whenever you walk through the doors of a church in transition with the invitation to shepherd them, you do so with the realization that what you are about to do is bigger than you can do alone. Shepherding congregations through transition, whether you work in a denominational role, one the ground transitional pastor, or specialized transition coach, requires both skill and Holy Spirit shaped character to do well. 

Let me remind those of doing this work of some key principles that should always be in the front of our minds as we serve God’s church. I write this for myself as well as I training transitional leaders, coach churches in transition within my denomination, and walk alongside you who are part of this network. 

 Six Principles to Help Guide a Shepherd During Transition

 1. Stay Rooted in God’s Unchanging Purpose

 During times of uncertainty and change, what anchors the church is not a strategy but the call to be apprentices of Jesus who invite others to follow him along with you.  Ministries, staff, programs, and structures may change but the mission of making disciples who make disciples never does. Keep pointing people to Jesus who we are to pattern our lives after. 

 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. — Matthew 28:19-20

 2. Communicate with Clarity and Grace

 Times of change can create stress and confusion. Clear, consistent, and honest communication helps lower anxiety and builds trust. Share what’s happening and why, even if all the details aren’t yet available. 

 Your honesty and humility will speak louder than perfect answers.

•  Communicate publicly and in smaller settings  
• Acknowledge what’s uncertain and can’t be shared
• Create space for questions, answers, and times of prayer 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. — Ephesians 4:29

 3. Lead with Compassion and an Eagerness to Serve

People grieve during times of transitions and need space to have that grief validated and heard. It takes compassion to hold space for grief and mourning. People experience sadness, anger, disorientation, and a whole host of reactions and need space and time to process. 

Loving shepherds don’t push but guide with empathy and care for the souls of people. Listen well. Make room for lament. Remind the people you serve that God is with them in their wilderness.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. — 1 Peter 5:2-3

 4. Model Faith and Flexibility

Your posture as a shepherding leader sets the mood for the church community. Be honest about your own faith journey. Admit when you are being stretched and challenged by the Lord but at the same time, give evidence of your own faith in God’s ability to guide and lead. 

When a congregation see the leaders walking by faith with courage and flexibility, they are encouraged to do the same.

• Stay prayerful and dependent on the Holy Spirit
• Be open to new ways God may be moving
• Lead with courage and a teachable spirit
  

5. Engage the Body in the Process

Congregations in transition are not merely an audience who witnesses the transition. They are the body where “each part does its work.” It was Dale Carnegie who said, “People support a world they help create.”  

Invite people to contribute, discern, lead, and participate. Equip leaders to take ownership of ministry and the change God is inviting them to embrace. Transition is not a time to sit and wait but a time to mobilize the gifts within the body.

•  Facilitate listening sessions
• Form prayer and discernment teams
• Empower people to serve and shape the future

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. — Ephesians 4:16

 6. Walk at a Spirit—led Pace

Seasons of transition can often take longer than we first think. This work of shepherding is a partnership with the Holy Spirit who is the source of healing, wisdom, and transformation. 

God is faithful to do his part as we listen and walk at his pace and stay connected to his direction. 

• Be patient with the process and the people
• Celebrate small wins
• Pray continually

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. — John 14:26

Final Word: Be a Shepherd Who is Present Not Just a Map Reader

In times of change and transition, the people you serve don’t need a perfect road-map — they need a faithful shepherd. They need someone who listens, prays, leads with conviction, and trusts that Jesus is still building his church. 

The transitional journey is a sacred journey not just a strategic one. What is needed most is a godly shepherd who will help lead and guide. 

Shepherding along with you, 

Cam Taylor