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In This Issue...
Articles
- A Theology of Humor by Cheryl Taylor
- Ministering With Humor by Stephanie Nance
- Christian Leaders Having Fun? by Pam Morton with Kathy Jingling
- The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter by Dwenda Gjerdingen, MD, MS
Resources
Book Reviews
- Anatomy of an Illness by Norman Cousins
- The Purse-Driven Life by Anita Renfroe
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Ministry Transition: An Interview with Sandi Bradford
By Juli Nelson
Juli serves as pastor of First Christian Church in Clever, Missouri. An ordained minister, Juli has served in a variety of ministry capacities including church organist, director of Christian education, adjunct instructor in music and biblical studies at Evangel University, and as a retreat speaker. Juli holds a bachelor's degree in music, a master of theological studies from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and a master of divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. She and her husband Nathan are the parents of two adult children.
Sandi has been involved in directing graded music programs, teaching ministry, and prayer ministry to moms. She currently supports her husband in his ministry as general secretary of the Assemblies of God in Springfield, Missouri.
Sandi and I met in my office over coffee and scones. Warming up the coffee in the office kitchen, we encountered an unfamiliar microwave whose instructions temporarily baffled us. After a few unsuccessful jabs at the controls, we realized we had to push the STOP and CLEAR button before we could proceed. Laughing, we noted that STOP and CLEAR may be the first necessary step for dealing with life transitions, too.
Sandi recently experienced a life transition when her husband accepted a national appointment with the Assemblies of God. Throughout their entire marriage, Sandi has functioned as a local church pastor's wife. Suddenly, that role disappeared. Here's what Sandi had to say about it.
WIM: Was this transition difficult?
Sandi: Yes, because I loved my role as pastor's wife. While others perceived this change as a promotion, I experienced it as a sacrifice of precious things I knew and loved. So, initially, I felt a loss of role, a loss of church community, and apprehension of the unknown. I also felt concern for our daughters. I didn't know what changes it would represent for them. We had moved 5 years earlier, and I had seen how challenging that transition had been for them.
While others perceived this change as a promotion, I experienced it as sacrifice of previous things I knew and loved.
In addition, in the months preceding this change, I had already been processing two losses — our daughters "leaving the nest" and my father's death.
WIM: Did you experience emotional or spiritual preparation for this transition?
Sandi: No, this change really "hit me upside the head." I didn't see it coming.
WIM: Were there any factors that made the transition easier?
Sandi: Having a few things stay the same was helpful. I didn't have to relocate from my house or my town. And I was able to maintain community associations that I had made, like volunteering in the public schools, being active in MOPS, and participating in the Network for Women in Ministry Website team.
WIM: What was the greatest spiritual challenge of this transition?
Sandi: Trusting. Trusting that God was in this, even if it was uncomfortable. Trusting my husband's perception of God's leading. Trusting my life, again, to the Master.
WIM: What strategies were helpful for you in managing this transition?
Sandi: One was finding Scriptures that spoke to me in this situation. Psalm 84:5,6 and Hebrews 12:1,2 became a source of strength for me. Another strategy was to remind myself that the Master can do what He chooses with His servants for His glory. And another strategy was to maintain involvement in community groups and in a mentoring ministry through e-mail contact.
Each new place has included new assignments for me once the dust settled.
WIM: Do you feel a new call for your own life and ministry in this transition?
Sandi: Not yet, and that is part of having to trust God with this change. What I have discovered through previous changes, though, is that each new place has included new assignments for me once the dust settled.
WIM: What advice would you give to others in navigating transitions?
Sandi: First, let God give you Scripture to comfort and strengthen you. Secondly, expect that there will be struggles. Don't put pressure on yourself to be spiritually or emotionally heroic at a time of multiple losses or significant change. And thirdly, maintain or form some new connections where you can be authentic and supported.
WIM: Imagine your life a year from now. What are your hopes?
Sandi: A year from now, I hope I've hit my stride! I hope I'm traveling and ministering together with my husband occasionally. I hope I'm reaching out to women one-on-one, which is my preferred method. I hope my husband's life of integrity and influence has continued to expand. And I hope my daughters' new ministry to pastors' kids (www.pkn.ag.org) has grown. Those are my hopes.
