by: Jim Schlottman
4/1/2003

Are you thinking of quitting... or are you nearing the finish line of your ministry or career? Or perhaps you’re going through a lot of changes in your life right now. Whatever the case, this Compass issue is for you. In it you'll find fresh insights on quitting (or not quitting), finishing well, and embracing change.

When God called you to ministry, you probably didn’t plan on, or even think about, quitting.

If you’re a pastor’s wife, it would be unheard of—ask Carolyn Williford. Carolyn addresses this topic in our continuing series on the role of a pastor's spouse.

Finishing well with the help of a mentor? Mentoring is typically viewed as an older person mentoring a young person. If that were the case, it would follow that being mentored is only useful at the beginning of one’s ministry or job—not so, according to Don Payne. If we want to finish well, Don suggests that having a mentor in the second half of our lives can help us move forward... with empowered, invigorated integrity.

During the thirteen years that Lee McDowell served with her husband, Clyde, in the church I attended, she modeled for me how to turn change into a journey of growth. She shares with you, how that despite our dreams, God works his own plan—for our growth, not our comfort. With that insight, Lee opens the topic of change and growth from her perspective of having experienced some dramatic changes in her life.

Even though our writers have written with the Christian leader in mind, they address important elements of each and every person’s life... clergy or layperson. As you read, let God speak to your heart.