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 wit...