Embracing Change: A New Chapter for Saddleback Church

 

Summary

In this unique and heartfelt gathering, I shared a significant transition in the life of Saddleback Church. After a year-long search, we have found the next generation pastor, Andy Wood, who will lead our church into the future. This decision was made after much prayer, discussion, and unanimous agreement from our elders. Reflecting on my journey, I recounted my own "Damascus Road" experience, which led me to dedicate my life to Saddleback Church. This commitment has spanned over 43 years, during which I've witnessed the church grow and evolve through various generations.

The essence of life and ministry is change, as highlighted in Genesis 8:22, which speaks of the natural cycles of life. Change is inevitable and necessary for growth, and it often involves loss and grief. Yet, it is through these changes that we find new opportunities and directions. This transition is a testament to that truth. As I step down, I am filled with gratitude for the journey and the privilege of serving this congregation.

Andy and Stacy Wood, who have successfully grown a church in the challenging environment of Silicon Valley, embody the qualities we sought in a new leader. They are purpose-driven, have a proven track record, and possess a deep love for people. Their understanding of California culture and their commitment to serving together as a couple make them uniquely suited to lead Saddleback Church.

As I move into a new phase of ministry, focusing on a global initiative called "Finishing the Task," I am excited about the future of Saddleback Church under Andy's leadership. I urge the congregation to embrace this change with love and support for Andy and Stacy, just as they have loved and supported Kay and me. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter, filled with potential for growth and impact.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing Change: Change is a natural and necessary part of life, as illustrated in Genesis 8:22. It involves loss and grief but also brings new opportunities and growth. Embracing change with faith allows us to see God's hand in our lives and ministries. [10:05]

2. Commitment to a Calling: My journey with Saddleback Church began with a profound calling to invest my life in one place. This commitment has been a source of stability and growth for the church. It reminds us of the power of dedication and faithfulness in fulfilling God's purpose. [06:52]

3. The Importance of Leadership Succession: A successful ministry requires a plan for succession. By choosing a leader who embodies the church's values and vision, we ensure the continuity and future growth of the church. This process is guided by prayer and discernment. [18:04]

4. The Role of Community in Transition: As we transition to new leadership, the support and love of the congregation are crucial. Just as the church has supported me, I encourage everyone to extend the same love and trust to Andy and Stacy as they lead us into the future. [32:42]

5. A Global Vision for the Future: My new focus on the "Finishing the Task" initiative highlights the importance of a global vision in ministry. Mobilizing the global church for the Great Commission is a monumental task that requires collaboration and dedication from believers worldwide. [54:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:07] - Announcement of New Pastor
- [01:19] - A Unique Service
- [02:06] - My Damascus Road Experience
- [03:36] - The Call to Saddleback
- [05:27] - The Word "Saddleback"
- [07:42] - The Growth of Saddleback
- [10:05] - Embracing Change
- [11:56] - Lessons from Depression
- [13:21] - Introducing Andy and Stacy Wood
- [18:04] - The Importance of Succession
- [21:55] - Andy Wood's Journey
- [26:25] - Stacy Wood's Perspective
- [32:42] - Kay's Endorsement
- [54:40] - Finishing the Task Initiative

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 8:22 - "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."
2. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 - Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons
3. Titus 1:5-9 - Qualifications for Elders

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significant announcement made about the leadership of Saddleback Church? ([00:22])
2. How did the speaker describe his "Damascus Road" experience, and what impact did it have on his life? ([02:06])
3. What qualities were highlighted about Andy and Stacy Wood that made them suitable to lead Saddleback Church? ([21:55])
4. According to the sermon, what is the natural cycle of life as described in Genesis 8:22? ([10:18])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of change, as described in Genesis 8:22, relate to the transition in leadership at Saddleback Church? ([10:05])
2. What does the speaker's commitment to Saddleback Church for over 43 years teach about dedication and faithfulness in ministry? ([07:03])
3. How does the process of selecting a new leader reflect the importance of leadership succession in a church setting? ([18:04])
4. In what ways does the role of community support play a part in the transition to new leadership? ([32:42])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant change in your life. How did you embrace it, and what did you learn from it? ([10:05])
2. How can you demonstrate commitment and faithfulness in your current roles, whether in church, work, or family? ([07:03])
3. What steps can you take to support and encourage new leaders in your community or church? ([32:42])
4. How can you prepare yourself for future changes in your life, both personally and spiritually? ([10:05])
5. In what ways can you contribute to a global vision for ministry, similar to the "Finishing the Task" initiative? ([54:40])
6. How can you cultivate a deeper love and understanding for the people in your community, as exemplified by Andy and Stacy Wood? ([21:55])
7. What practical actions can you take to ensure a smooth transition during times of change in your church or community? ([32:42])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Change as a Pathway to Growth
Change is an inevitable part of life and ministry, as highlighted in Genesis 8:22. It often involves loss and grief, but it also brings new opportunities and directions. Embracing change with faith allows us to see God's hand in our lives and ministries. This transition at Saddleback Church is a testament to that truth, as the congregation is encouraged to embrace the new leadership with love and support. [10:05]

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one change in your life that you have been resisting? How can you begin to see it as an opportunity for growth and invite God into that process today?


Day 2: The Power of Commitment to a Calling
A profound calling can lead to a lifetime of dedication and impact. The journey with Saddleback Church began with a deep commitment to invest in one place, providing stability and growth for the church. This reminds us of the power of dedication and faithfulness in fulfilling God's purpose. Such commitment is a source of strength and continuity, allowing for the flourishing of a community over time. [06:52]

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel called to commit more deeply? How can you take a step today to strengthen that commitment?


Day 3: Leadership Succession as a Key to Future Growth
A successful ministry requires a thoughtful plan for leadership succession. By choosing a leader who embodies the church's values and vision, continuity and future growth are ensured. This process is guided by prayer and discernment, ensuring that the new leader is well-equipped to guide the congregation into the future. The transition to Andy Wood's leadership at Saddleback Church exemplifies the importance of this process. [18:04]

"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can mentor or invest in for future leadership? What is one practical step you can take this week to begin that process?


Day 4: The Role of Community in Supporting Transitions
As new leadership takes the helm, the support and love of the congregation are crucial. Just as the church has supported its previous leaders, it is encouraged to extend the same love and trust to the new leaders. This collective support fosters a sense of unity and continuity, allowing the church to move forward with confidence and hope. [32:42]

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively support and encourage someone in your community who is going through a transition? What specific action can you take today to show your support?


Day 5: Embracing a Global Vision for Ministry
A global vision in ministry highlights the importance of collaboration and dedication from believers worldwide. The "Finishing the Task" initiative exemplifies this, as it seeks to mobilize the global church for the Great Commission. This vision requires a commitment to working together across cultures and borders to fulfill God's purpose on a larger scale. [54:40]

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to a global vision for ministry, either locally or internationally? How can you begin to take action on this vision today?

Quotes

I was taking 13 units of summer school at seminary working toward my master's degree because I wanted to graduate early in December and go start a church somewhere. Kay was pregnant with our first child, Amy, and my Damascus Road experience actually happened in the basement of the nearby Texas Christian University library. [00:02:53]

I told the Lord many many times, "Lord I'm willing to go anywhere in the world anywhere in the world uh on this planet if you'll just give me the privilege of investing my entire lifetime into a single church instead of moving around from place to place like most pastors do." [00:03:46]

The common denominator of the strongest healthiest churches the biggest churches were that the pastor had invested literally decades of time. He stays put. That we value stability now pouring over you know this is the fourth generation five generations have gone through Saddleback as I've been pastor here. [00:04:47]

As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, there will be cold and heat, there will be a winter and summer and there will be day and night. In other words, life is composed of opposites and everything changes not just by the year not just by the month not by the day but also by the hour. [00:10:21]

All living things change. It's the mark of life. What doesn't change? Rocks, okay, not inanimate objects. All living things change. There's no life without growth and there's no growth without change. Now there's no change without loss because it's like on a trapeze to grab on to the new you have to let go of the old bars you're swinging across. [00:11:56]

I started thinking about the issue of succession almost 20 years ago when the purpose driven life became a bestseller. I went and I met with one of my mentors, the great Peter Drucker, and I told him, "Peter, as a student of history I know that no lasting success happens without a successor." [00:17:51]

I believe our best days will always always be in the future if we have the right leadership. So Peter gave you some invaluable advice this is 20 years ago that I tucked into the back of my mind to remember. One of the things Peter told me was this he said, "Rick, top leaders must be hired based on performance not potential." [00:18:34]

Andy and Stacy Wood grew a church out of nothing in the San Jose Silicon Valley area. Now you may not know this but that area is one of the most difficult places in America to start a church. It took a lot of guts, a lot of faith, a lot of courage to plant a church where they went to plant. [00:21:30]

Kay and I intend to support Andy and Stacy with our fullest love, our full endorsement, our complete prayers and our encouragement just as members of Saddleback Church. I've got a new assignment that God has given to me in the days ahead I'll tell you about more of that in in other times. [00:22:14]

I believe that coming out of COVID we are poised for the greatest period of expansion growth development and history-making impact that this church has ever had. You know, Moses led the people out of Egypt but it was the second guy that led him into the promised land. His name was Joshua. [01:00:29]

Rick 2.0 that God has called me to do and it's the biggest thing ever. It's an enormous global plan. It's going to take the next 10 years mobilizing the entire church that's 2.6 billion Christians around the globe. There are a billion Catholic Christians, there are 500 million Pentecostal Christians, there are 500 million evangelical and Protestant Christians. [00:54:40]

I want to say to you right now three things. Number one, Kay and I really do love you deeply. We have loved you every day that you've been a part of this family. We are so grateful for you. We appreciate you. You're the church, not us, you're the church. The same Holy Spirit that is okay in me is in you. [00:58:59]

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Transcript
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