Transition
Transition. What comes to mind when you hear that word? I think of transitions between wall colors or types of flooring. I think of musical transitions- graceful ones and clunky ones. I think of our church fellowship and what transition has meant for us in the past several years. Mostly, I think of transition in terms of personal life changes.
Transition is an important and inevitable part of life. How we navigate transition tells us a lot about ourselves. Transition reveals our deepest fears. Our highest values. Where we want control. What or who we place our trust in. In the last four and half years, I have closed down my business, moved across the country by myself, moved four times around Portland, raised support for a full-time ministry role, started several new jobs, gotten married, became a stepmom, became a “nonna” (I’m not ready to be called “grandma” just yet!), and most recently- became a mama to a sweet little boy with a cleft palate and an extra chromosome. Whew!
I feel like life has continued to change at a rapid pace these last few years- much faster than I’ve felt I could keep up with. It has forced me to confront the areas in my life that I struggle to maintain control and just how much of a perfectionist I tend to be!
When the elders approached me in October of 2022 regarding the role of worship leader at GPBC, my first instinct was to run. For those who may not know, I never wanted or pursued the role of worship leader. Long story short, the Lord made it pretty clear to both my husband, Chris, and I that He was inviting me to step into the position- for the purpose of growing and more importantly, serving Him and our church family when a need presented itself.
It was a difficult season for me- learning a new, very uncomfortable role while also learning to be a wife and stepmom for the first time. However, at the risk of sounding trite, God really does give grace for seasons of transition. A lot of that grace showed up in the form of my fellow staff members and the team of volunteers that I was so privileged to lead. And while there are things that I would do very differently if I could go back, I am grateful to have learned the things I’ve learned.
- I’ve learned that I’m much more task-oriented and not nearly as pastoral as I thought!
- I’ve learned that having hard conversations is crucial to being a good leader.
- I’ve learned that avoiding conflict only further damages relationships.
- I’ve learned the importance of having vision and communicating it consistently.
Yet, despite the challenges, I have been so encouraged and humbled by the love and support you all have shown my family and me throughout these past couple of years. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your worship leader, and thank you for releasing me with your blessing to transition into this new season of motherhood.
Looking to Jesus, as He continues to reveal His next steps for Greater Portland Bible Church.
Grace and peace,
Rebekah