Change. It’s a word that has been used so much in this last year that it’s easy to tune it out or not even relate to it. Webster’s Dictionary says that change means “to make different in some particular; to make radically different; to give a different position, course, or direction.” Now I can relate to change in that context.

Change – meaning “to make radically different” – was what happened in my life when Jesus became my Lord and Savior. I no longer lived for myself but for Christ who lived within me. I became a better husband and father. I became a better employee in my chosen profession. Every aspect of life became radically different as I grew and matured in Christ, a process that continues to this day.

Change – meaning “to give a different course” – could describe my whole life journey. After I dedicated my life to Christ, He called me to re-route my plans time after time. “Change of course” describes my move from business to ministry, then to seminary, to the pastorate, to the office of district superintendent (in the Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church), and eventually to The Mission Society.

Now I am about to embark on another major change of course. Effective December 31, 2009, I will leave full-time ministry as president of The Mission Society and begin a life of volunteer ministry as a retired person.

The only meaningful change
Change can cause fear, particularly in our current economic environment. Some would say I am foolish to retire now when my retirement funds are worth less than half what they were a few months ago. I must admit that I have had my moments of doubt, but God has seen Sue and me this far, and He will care for us in the future. Of this I am sure!

Frankly, this worldwide economic downturn gives all of us an opportunity to better acquaint ourselves with the meaning of total dependence on God. And yet many Christians are giving less to ministries, because the stock market has dropped, which makes me think: What about Jesus’ teaching on the widow’s mite? She gave not out of abundance, but out of a conviction that God would care for her and that her gift could and would make a difference!

Needs at home and around the world are greater now than they have ever been before, and they are getting even more serious. Unfortunately, just in a time when our ministries should be expanding, The Mission Society – like so many other ministries – has had to lay off staff. Fewer people are carrying out the work that should be done by a larger staff. Why are these few willing to do this? Because they are convinced that God wants His ministry not only to continue but to expand! The Mission Society staff, board members, missionaries, and faithful ministry partners like yourself are living out their conviction that the only meaningful change that can occur in this world is the change that Christ brings, as we abandon ourselves in faith to Him.

My hardest change
What’s the hardest change God has asked me to make? It does not involve money or possessions. It involves people. The hardest change I will have ever faced will be the day I leave the day-to-day contact and shoulder-to-shoulder ministry with the people at The Mission Society. I know when the time comes, God will get me through, but leaving will leave a hole in my life much like the death of a loved one.

I thank God that I have been privileged to be part of such a wonderful group of servants of God these past seven-plus years. Of course, I will never leave the ministry to which God has called me. The particular location of my call will change, but the call to reach the lost will remain.

The Rev. Dr. Philip R. Granger, The Mission Society president and CEO, is an elder in the Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.