"But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord," 2 Corinthians 3:18.

God is a God of transforming change. When an individual turns to Christ, it's not merely turning over a new leaf; it's a complete turn around. Those who are Born Again are turned inside out and right side up. Praise God, the turning never stops!

Abiding Savior Free Lutheran has experienced change - big changes and small changes, simple changes and complex changes, difficult changes and seemingly easy changes. We have changed locations, buildings, ministries, personnel, but never our aim or direction. Every one of these changes has had a common goal, that God would be glorified and His Kingdom expanded. It has been our mission statement all along, "KNOWING THE SAVIOR AND MAKING HIM KNOWN".

Change is never easy. Even seemingly easy changes can be challenging. For a growing Christian or a growing church family, there is only one time when change is meant to stop. It is when Jesus comes again. Until then, we are to expect change and hopefully be changed from one degree of glory to the next.

Some changes come without notice. God is God. We accept His Divine will in the unexpected and expected. On the other hand, His Spirit often helps us to anticipate changes. The Spirit guides us to appoint servant leaders to oversee the work entrusted to us. Like myself, they pray, dream dreams, seek counsel, and humbly seek to implement God's transforming changes. The following is one of those changes we should expect and prayerfully discuss.

For 15 years, I have had the privilege of serving God's flock at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran as senior pastor. It has been an honor. God has blessed me, my family, and our church family. Though I believe I am to continue to serve as Senior Pastor, I also believe we should prepare for a transition to a new senior pastor. In my thinking, such preparation is wise. It will enable the changes to be less disruptive and prevent the panic attacks Satan would use to harm God's flock.

At the same time, God has placed a vision on my heart and my life that includes Abiding Savior. Over the years, I have come to better understand a need many pastors and ministries have. It is best explained by asking this question, "Who is shepherding the Shepherds?" It is easy and right for us to give the answer, "God is." However, usually, God works through people. Thus we ask, "Who is God raising up to do this task?" In most cases the need goes unmet. Even here at Abiding Savior, we have this need. In many cases, the work and the workers desperately need shepherding guidance and care. When neglected, workers burn out, work is neglected, spirits weaken, hearts become vulnerable, and ministry is hindered.

God has placed this need on my heart, first for Abiding Savior and then for our AFLC and the greater Kingdom of God. I believe it could serve us well in the future transition to a new senior pastor. While lessening the disruption, it could enhance the process. I believe a Shepherding Pastor would serve God's Kingdom much the same as Paul served the early church. His mentoring ministry gave care to individual pastors, guidance to churches, and inspired new church plants.

In the light of God's transforming changes, I believe Shepherding the Shepherds is a Pauline model ministry that is needed today.