BEST PRACTICE


WHAT COMES NEXT?


Preparing for life’s next grace-filled adventure


By:Robert J. McCarty


T 38


hose of us in ministry know a thing or two about change. For many, ministry often feels like white-water rafting . . . a


series of “holding your breath rapids,” followed by the tranquility of eddies and flat water played out over seasons and then years.


At any point, but especially later in life, we can find ourselves at the end of the river—our ministry years coming to an end, either gradually or abruptly. Sometimes it’s because we feel called to explore a new river or we’re just tired of fighting the current


in the river we’re in. And sometimes it’s because our raft has been overturned by unexpected forces “going in a different direction.” Whether it’s a change we choose or one that we didn’t anticipate, the life change is an opportunity to recalibrate.


Pastoral leaders are so very skilled at planning ahead, implementing programs, and operating from a comprehensive vision. So why don’t we utilize the same skill set when it comes to considering our own future? Pastoral ministers in the Wisdom Generation, considering our next stage in life and


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