Summer is a good time to talk about transition, even if your church isn’t going through one. Many of your members will be mid-transition. The important thing to remember is that all forms of major change are similar. Use the table below or think through the plots of movies, books, or Bible stories.
7 Stages of Change
The Stages |
In a Move, Job Change, or Relationship |
Building Project |
Addiction Recovery |
1) Wishful Thinking |
Vision of new role or situation |
Vision of more functional facility
|
Desire to be Sane/Sober intrudes on ones thinking |
2) One Ray of Hope |
Discovering the means to leave |
Finding some money |
Support offered from group or counselor |
3) Disruption |
Discovering reasons that you can't leave |
Major Issues and financial shortfalls |
Discovering that you are stuck and can't save yourself |
4) Maximum Mess |
You choose not to turn back |
People leave, current functions flop |
You hit bottom, but continue to live in unbearable pain |
5) Seeking Lost Things |
You find some continuity between the old and new |
You find better places to do things |
You renew friendships with those who are sober/sane |
6) Renaming |
You stop calling the old place home |
New leadership, policies, and programs are developed |
You learn how to live sane/sober |
7) Celebrate |
Say goodbye & hello |
Thank those who helped, all are invited to rejoice |
You celebrate anniversaries and attend meetings |
Remember Dag Hammarsköld’s prayer:
For all that has been — thanks.
For all that shall be — YES!