Transitions pt 1

Is transition all that bad?

Having spent a good part of the last 15 years trying to assist secondary students make the transition into Uni of TAFE (through STU Ministries and more recently AFES Connect), I've been thinking recently about transitions. So this post is a work in progress. I have some questions, and some observations.

We all go through transitions in life - from changing jobs, moving house, changing our stage of life, or marital status. In whatever ministry context you find yourself , home group leader, pastor, church member, how do you help others when they face up to a transitional period in their life? What have you said to them? What have you encouraged them towards?

As I observe the landscape there are 3 options:

Option 1 - Attempt to eliminate all the transitions.
As people change their stage of life and face transitional change, you would try and retain them. Don't let them leave. Which means that as people move 'through' the ministry you are involved with then you can start new things for them. Many churches do this - people can move from one congregation to another. Thus they never really have to leave - they stick with the same brand, just change the model.

Option 2 - Assist people through transition In this scenario you try and 'place' them with somebody or something else which you know and trust. You might recommend another church or ministry for them to be involved with.

Option 3 - Let them work it out
Here, you educate people giving them a sufficient understanding of the pitfalls and opportunities for the future. Yet, you allow them to make a decision, and trust that you have prepared them well. This may mean recommending future ministries for them to be involved with. But ultimately it means releasing them and letting them stand or fall.

Which one resonates with you, and why?

Knowing that everyone goes through transitions how intentional are you at preparing yourself and people you care about for these periods in life?