Dear Friends,
As the days lengthen and the first hints of spring emerge, there's a sense of fresh possibility in the air. A couple of days of sunshine, the appearance of early buds, and we start to believe that winter has truly passed. But then, as so often happens, a sharp frost returns, reminding us that the season hasn't fully turned yet. Those delicate buds, full of promise, can be caught out by the sudden return of the cold, and some may not survive.
Spring is a season of transition, and transitions—whether in nature or in our churches—rarely happen overnight. We love the idea of newness, the excitement of fresh possibilities, and the hope of transformation. But real change is a process, and it takes time.
Isaiah 43:19 declares, "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" It's a verse full of energy, a divine call to recognise God at work. But just as spring doesn't arrive in an instant, God's 'new things' don't always happen at the speed we expect. We may catch glimpses of change—a new initiative gaining momentum, a shift in culture, a fresh vision emerging—but then a challenge comes, resistance arises, or enthusiasm wanes, and we wonder if we were mistaken.
This is often the moment when we feel tempted to give up or push too hard. We either abandon the change, deciding it was premature, or we try to force it, rushing people into something they aren't yet ready for. But just as we can't make spring arrive faster by sheer willpower, we also can't accelerate God's work beyond His perfect timing.
As church administrators and leaders, we have the privilege of stewarding change well. That means embracing patience, trusting in God's process, and allowing time for growth to be established. Some people will embrace change quickly, eager for the 'new thing' God is doing. Others will need more time to adjust, to trust, and to step forward at a different pace. And sometimes, yes, there will be setbacks—those sharp frosts that threaten the early buds of progress. But a setback doesn't mean spring isn't coming. It simply means the process isn't finished yet.
So, as you navigate change in your church—whether in systems, structures, teams, or vision—hold fast to the promise that God is doing a new thing. Your role isn't to force the season to change, but to nurture what God is growing, protecting it from discouragement and allowing it time to flourish. Be patient, be prayerful, and be confident that in His time, the full beauty of spring will arrive.
This month, let's commit to trusting God's timing and encouraging one another in the process. Let's not rush ahead or give up too soon, but instead, let's hold onto faith that the new things God has begun will blossom fully in His perfect season.
Spring is coming. Let's watch, wait, and trust in Him.
For you,
Jules Morgan
Director, UK Church Administrators Network