Time of Transition

As most of you in the Christian community already know, our beloved James Dobson has resigned his position with the "Focus" family. His speech yesterday that was aired over the radio and online was so relevant and touched my heart to the core. I have always admired this man and his views concerning the family so I was among those heartbroken to hear his decision to step down. Just his radio program alone has had such a great impact on my own life; I can't imagine the millions of other listeners that have been helped over the years. He assures us that stepping down from his leadership position will not affect the many things he does in ministry but I assure you, the caliber of his leadership will be sorely missed.

I realize the board of directors have been geared for this type of transition for many years, not knowing when the time would come but sure that it certainly would come and now it has. They were saddened of course but not shocked. And why not shocked? Because this great leader had them ready. They were trained properly and geared spiritually for this moment. So I salute this great team of ministers...they deserve our prayers and blessings. And James Dobson needs our support on the heels of this big decision. It is a major ordeal when stepping away from something you feel God spoke into your heart, and quite frankly most minsters get so wrapped up in the ministry, they fail to see their own need for rest. Just a few weeks ago, I listened in on another program where a minister was forced to take a sabbatical due to overworking himself, which resulted in clinical depression and other health issues.
Why do we think ministers have it all and can do it all? Why do us ministers fall into this trap so easily? Yes, ministry changes when transition takes place but ministry still happens. Yes, James Dobson will be sorely missed but he will still be effective. This other minister (can't remember his name), I'm sure will be terribly missed as well, but he will prayerfully come back healthier, stronger, and wiser. May we all look a little closer at the lives of these two men and then look closely into our own lives. What pattern do you find yourself following? We simply cannot get so busy that we fail to see our need for rest and renewal. Dr. Dobson's example of leadership is a great one to follow and my hope is that we will learn from his dedication to teaching all of us.

If you have the time and have not heard it over the airwaves, please listen to Dr. James Dobson as he addresses the many people involved at Focus On the Family. Follow the link, click on "A Momentous Occasion at FOF (Part 2)".
http://listen.family.org/daily/A000001853.cfm