Finding the Path Forward

For many leaders their identity and their professional role are one and the same. While this means that they usually pour themselves fully into that role, it also means that when they no longer fill that role, they also find themselves struggling with a sense of identity. This is true even for leaders within the Adventist Church. And during the General Conference (GC) Session, when elected positions come up for consideration in Nominating Committee, the struggle can become all too real.

“When you serve this church, you serve it with everything,” states Ivan Omaña, director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the General Conference. “I’m the son of a pastor who served this church fully, and when he was not reelected, it was very painful and difficult for him.”

This experience gave Omaña motivation to try to alleviate that pain for others. This year, for the first time at session, a team of 20 chaplains from every division around the globe have coordinated to make counseling services available for any church employees who find themselves in a time of transition.A room was made available for private counseling within the convention center, and every day of the session there is a chaplain on duty in the room throughout the day.

“Although a chaplain will not help you resolve all the questions that come to mind,” Omaña admits, “having someone who extends a hand and says, ‘This is hard, but I’m here with you,’ is the first step toward healing.”

The chaplains providing counseling at the GC Session are men and women trained in providing ministry of presence and professional care, bound by the chaplain’s code of ethics. Every conversation is completely confidential.

The suddenness of no longer filling a role can bring on feelings of grief, doubt, loss, and loneliness. Many leaders find themselves asking such questions as “What did I do wrong?” They may feel lost, unsure of what the future holds. Some may decide to retire; others may choose to redesign their ministry.

“This is our team’s opportunity to remind them that God calls, and God’s call never ends,” Omaña says. “When you go through such a change as this, you need guidance. The chaplain can’t help you find your identity in one meeting, but they can shine a light on a path forward.”

Anyone looking for a counselor can consult their division’s chaplaincy directory to find someone to talk with (the director of chaplaincy at the GC is also a resource), and they are happy to talk—even if it’s not Omana. “I’m fully aware that I may be one of those in need of counseling services before this is over,” he says. “But even if I’m not reelected, the next director will have the same attitude. That’s why we’re here.”

When Omana was studying to be a counselor, a trauma professor defined trauma as “being terrified and alone.” Suddenly losing one’s identity can certainly be isolating, and the need for spiritual care in those moments is high. “You’re in the middle of a sea of Adventists who just voted for someone else,” Omana points out. “You need someone to say, ‘I don’t know how it feels for you, but I’m going to hold your hand and pray with you, and we’ll figure things out.’ ”

Becky St. Clair is a freelance writer from California.