Transitions are a part of life— including a pastor’s life.
All pastors experience transitions personally. We move from training to our assignment, and then we move from one assignment to another. We witness our members transitioning as well. Some of these transitions are painful and some are happy experiences; but whichever they are, they come.
In this editorial, I share with you a transition into which I have chosen to enter. In the middle of September, I made a decision to retire as the editor of Ministry. (I am also retiring from my associate ministerial secretary position of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.) I made this decision after prayer and consultation with family and several close friends. I look forward with great anticipation to retirement but not because I anticipate that it will be a time of resting and doing less. I look forward to this next period in my life because I can focus on certain ministry and personal projects that have been on my to-do list for a long time. Retirement will give me an opportunity to refocus and continue responding to God’s call in my life.
My ministry will continue; nevertheless, it will be different. My role will change and, at this point of change, I have given in to the temptation to reflect—I understand that this is not unusual for those who are retiring. How do I reflect, in a few words, on a ministry of just over 40 years? I limit myself to these few observations.
Ministry is ministry. I have served as pastor, departmental director, administrator, and, since 2005, as editor. Which did I enjoy the most? All of them equally; each has brought joys and sorrows. I truly cannot state one role was more fulfilling than another. Which role was the most important? That question (at least in Seventh-day Adventist circles) is often asked, and the expected answer? “Pastoral, of course.” Realistically, however, we should not treat the pastor as the most important because we should recognize the essential qualities of all ministry assignments and not treat one as more important than another. We will not be remembered for the titles we had but for our faithfulness to the calling God gave us.
The temptation of labels. Labeling people is a worldwide practice that only confuses the issue. This is done in ministry as well. You have heard (but hopefully not practiced!) the labels liberal, conservative, postmodern, innovative, old-fashioned. We are tempted to label ourselves in order to be more appealing and label others from a judgmental perspective. The critics of Jesus attached various labels to Him. Instead of labeling myself (or you), here are some questions I ask of myself: Am I faithful to the calling God has given me? Am I faithful to His Word? Am I living an ethical life? What question do you ask of yourself?
Faithful people. As ministers we have to deal with some rather difficult people at times—even toxic people. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, I want to focus on the many good and faithful people who have been a part of my ministry. I think of the many congregational leaders in the churches I pastored— God has truly blessed the church with many quality leaders. I reflect on the many supportive colleagues who have made my ministry more joyful. Elsewhere in this issue, we introduce the new editor, Derek Morris. I have known him for many years as a colleague and a frequent contributor to this journal. He brings to the journal a rich background of pastoral and teaching experience. Willie E. Hucks II will continue with the journal. The first time I met him I concluded that he had much to contribute to God’s church. During our close association within the past five years, I have seen that assessment blossom in our daily association. Our two specialists, Sheryl Beck and John Feezer IV, have been a joy to work with as well, and I thank them for their outstanding contributions to the journal. I wish God’s richest blessings for the team that has the honor of making this journal available to ministers in more than 190 countries.
God is in control. An abundance of studies tells us that Christianity is experiencing difficulties. Some of these studies need to be taken seriously, but one report is superior to all studies—the Word of God. The Word of God tells us that God formed the church and that God will continue to lead His people until the promised return of Jesus Christ. That brings me hope.
These are my reflections and expressions of gratitude in this final editorial—for which I thank the editors for allowing me the privilege to write. One more gratitude—to my wife, Ruth, truly a partner in ministry, and the children born into our home and those who joined our home. They have all enthusiastically supported me in my ministry. I retire a rich man.
