Transitions Committee Report

Jesus People USA Evangelical Covenant Church
October, 1999

The following report was given by the Transitions Committee to the collective JPUSA membership during our Quarterly Meeting in early 1999.

We on the JPUSA Transitions Committee have continued meeting with couples and individuals who are departing JPUSA. As our Transitions Document (1998) outlines, we exist as a service to both the departing member and the JPUSA community. For folks that are moving, we attempt to impart some basic but useful information for preparing. This entails discussions on taxes, packing for the move, finding a new fellowship, plugging into school-related organizations, and so forth.

Regarding the leaving member, our Transitions Document suggests, “We want to provide you with guidance as far as our mutual responsibility toward one another up until the day you do leave. Nothing in this document should be interpreted as an attempt to cause you to “change your mind” about your decision. Rather, we want to provide you with as clear a picture as possible about the journey you are about to embark upon.”

For the most part, our meetings with couples and individuals in transition from JPUSA have been smooth. We believe we are learning as we go, and though the transitional process is often not emotionally easy for either those going or us JPUSAs left behind, it does seem that our meetings have helped ease the process for all concerned.

Future Plans

Still in the works from our committee is a lengthy “position paper” on some of the more weighty issues involved in transitioning. What is the nature of “calling”? How do both the community and the individual “release one another” to do as each feels called to do, even in the midst of seeing things somewhat differently? What does the transition process tell us who remain in the community about the bond we share? This paper is already in process; pray for us for its speedy completion amidst the other tasks we have to accomplish.

Also, we want to complete a bibliography of helpful materials for those who have entered the transitional phase: Books by authors such as Larry Burkett (who writes on single-family financial management from a Christian viewpoint); web sites dedicated to the physical process of moving itself; materials and/or web addresses for missions groups that the departing couple/individual may wish to explore.

Prayers

We do wish to request your continued prayers for us on the committee, as sometimes it is a sad process to say that official “good-bye” to those we care about. We have, however, shared some great food treats (three cheers for Marsha’s homemade bread)!

Sincerely in Service,

Ron Brown
Julie Huang
Marsha Spaniel
Andrea Spicer
Karl Sullivan
Jon Trott