Another Change of Command

Having served nearly 23 years in the United States Army, I am somewhat familiar with “Change of Commands.” These ceremonies in the military are significant events. The Ceremonies are normally marked by the outgoing commander handing the unit flag or “guidon” to their senior commander who in turn hands it to the new commander.

In a similar way, there are changes in command in churches as well. The difficulty in churches is that rarely does the outgoing pastor hand the symbol of leadership to the incoming pastor. Churches normally go through a period where the board or an interim pastor has the leadership responsibility.

My home church, Grace Community Church (GCC) in Centennial, CO, is undergoing a change of command. For the past 7 years our Senior Pastor has been Jim Ladd. This is a difficult time because Jim has become more than my Senior Pastor. He is my friend, brother, fellow warrior in the battle and a trusted confidant.

As Jim and Sue head to their next assignment, I want to share some observations I have from Jim’s tenure as my commander.

1. Integrity: Unwavering integrity that never once was in question. His word was his word and it was based on HIS word.

2. Leadership Development: From the very beginning, Jim invested in men and women of all ages, sizes, colors and shapes. The leadership team at GCC is stronger that it has ever been and the list of leaders ready to go is continuing to grow.

3. Intergenerational Intentionality: All ages are important to Jim because I feel that Jim believes all ages are important to God. He has worked very hard to build up ministry to the entire church and not build a church on a single age group.

4. Tackled the Tough Issues: Jim was never afraid or reticent to take on the tough issues and take full responsibility for the decisions.

5. “The Counsel of Many”: This is the actual title of a book by another of my mentors and close friends, Dr Gary A. Sallquist. It applies to Jim in that he was never slow to seek solid counsel from his advisors. You never had the impression that Jim felt he had all the answers. You did know that he felt fully responsible for the answer and always sought counsel.

In the military, I said goodbye to many great commanders. While it was difficult to see them leave, it was always with great joy when they were being recognized and promoted or they were being sent to an assignment of greater responsibility.

That is the case for me now. I am pained by the loss of Jim and Sue from our Grace family. Yet I am overjoyed by seeing them make a move that has God’s fingerprints all over it.

Jim, you are leaving a church that is much stronger than the one of which you took command over seven years ago. We are all better prepared and positioned to serve the Lord and build His Kingdom because of you.

Thank you for being my pastor, friend and fellow warrior.