Show Notes – Episode 44

How the Gospel Informs Our Transitions

Duston Moore is the pastor of Ravenswood Baptist Church in downtown Chicago. Ravenswood is a thriving, growing church though it didn’t always used to be that way. Cary and Duston unpack how the gospel informs our transitions and how we can lead through change.

How does the Gospel speak into the manner in which we lead through transition and change? 

1. Every transition is different, but yet similar.

2. Often the “big” issues mask the real issues.

3. Opposition is inevitable.

4. Prayer and the Word are foundational tools for navigating issues and opposition.

—The confidence I have as a leader is that Jesus has brought me into the throne room of Heaven to talk to the Father. I am free to pour my heart out before Him. Prayer also enables me to trust Him.
—The Word nourishes a weary heart with good news of a strong and kind Savior.

5. The danger of leaders in transition is to focus on the people’s cooperation rather than their health.

—Juxtapose Ezra/Nehemiah’s law-emphasis to the enablement of the gospel.
—Theological transition may be the hardest transition in a church.

6. Transition takes time—a lot of it.

—The gospel enables my patience in believing that this is Jesus’ work, not mine.
—The slow, steady spiritual formation that happens in the life of a church must also happen in the life of the pastor to trust God’s timing and work. This view finds its base in the gospel.

7. The story of Scripture is not about good leaders who regularly get it wrong, but about a Savior who comes to make it right.

—The story of my life is not the efficacy of my leadership, but the efficacy of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection to make me new and to make me His.