Herbert W Armstrong

The most important factor in a transfer is the attitude in which we accept it. Naturally we are going to feel sad about leaving behind the brethren we've worked with, encouraged, cried with, suffered with and rejoiced with. We know we will miss them. We are understandably concerned about how they will fare without us there to care for them and help them along. Truly, transferring is not easy.

Oftentimes, a transfer is more emotionally difficult for our wives. In general, women tend to identify more with a particular home or situation, and feel more disoriented and unsure about a move than men do. Most ministers' wives eventually grow accustomed to transferring and don't have too difficult a time coping with it. But it still may not be easy for them emotionally. You husbands need to be aware of that, and make the transfer as positive and encouraging for your wives as you can.

Another reaction you may feel toward a transfer is that all your work and effort over the past several years is just now beginning to bear fruit. The newsstand program, public Bible lectures, and perhaps the recent addition of the telecast to your area are all beginning to have positive results. Growth is beginning to take off.

We must remember the Apostle Paul's words in this regard: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase" (I Cor. 3:6-7, RAV). The work we are doing is the work God has given us to do. He is the One who gets all the credit. We are really only tools in His hands, as long as we are submissive to Him. He is the One doing the work through us.

We can truly rejoice that God has given us a period of time with a particular group of His people. We can be thankful for the growth He has granted through our labors. But we can also rejoice when it comes time for us to move on to a new pasture to serve a new flock — a new opportunity to serve God's called-out-ones. As Paul continues in I Corinthians 3:8: "Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor." We are all servants of God. We are called to do His bidding, wherever that may be. And at Christ's return, we will receive a reward for faithfully laboring in His service.

Of course we realize transfers often entail certain sacrifices. Moving children into new schools. Packing. Sometimes broken or damaged possessions. A new climate. Perhaps housing problems. The list can go on. But the fact that we are in God's service makes all the difference. One minister mentioned how much he appreciated the frequent transfers he has had in his ministry because of the positive benefits to his children. He said that their travel experiences and opportunities to live in different parts of the country have given them a broader perspective of the world in general than many other children who have little or no opportunity for such experiences. In fact, he said that his family was actually strengthened as a result of the moves, because his children were never in one school long enough to develop relationships that pulled them away from the family. He and his wife felt that although the children had to work harder to maintain good grades, the advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.

I'm not asking every minister to view this aspect of a transfer in the same way, but I feel that this is an excellent example of how we should look at the positive side of what might otherwise seem to be a negative experience. Often there can be many hidden blessings in serving God that we simply never think about.

Those of you who will be transferring will need to carefully review the guidelines in the pastoral instruction 2.2.1 entitled Pastoral Transfer. It covers in detail the spiritual and physical considerations of transferring. This material is essential for a smooth, harmonious and unified transition of administration. It should be carefully studied and followed completely. This instruction would also be helpful to review for any who have transferred within the last year or two.

We hope to announce this summer's transfers shortly after the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Thank you again for your faithful prayers for Mr. Armstrong and those of us here in Pasadena. Our thoughts and prayers are with you continually.

We in Ministerial Services wish you a pleasant and meaningful spring feast!