Transition Conversations
Transition and change are a natural part of life, and an ongoing reality of being a disciple of Jesus. People often need help to understand and journey through change. Helping people in transition is a gift that can be given through intentional conversation, questioning and listening.
Principles for having a transition conversation
- Change is often uncomfortable, remember it is an emotional process for many – take time, be caring
- Create a safe environment – people need to not feel embarrassed, dismissed or punished for their ideas or feelings
- Listen without agenda, ask open-ended questions – “is there anything else?” People need to express themselves.
- Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
- Our role is to help facilitate someone to move forward themselves, NOT to “fix”.
Step 1 – Ask questions
- How are you going – your mind, emotions, and you at the core?
- How would you describe your spiritual health at the moment? Why do you think you are where you are?
- What is encouraging you? What is most challenging for you?
Stay with the area that is the most pertinent to the person:
- tell me more about this
- I’m curious to know how you feel about it?
Let them do the talking. Prompt to see if there is more to it:
- Is there anything else?
Don’t justify, just listen to understand, NOT to reply. See if you can take the conversation deeper by seeking to understand the reasons behind things.
Step 2 – Identify which transition stage they may be in
When finished, suggest:
- Did you know that its normal for people go through 3 different stages when they’re adapting to change? And there are different helpful things to think about in each stage – can I share a few with you?
Step 3 – Open the app
These are the 3 stages of adapting to change (show on app).
- From what you are saying, do you think you might be in stage 1/2/3 with this (the most pertinent issue)?
Click on relevant tile. Read through and see if they can acknowledge and respond to the bullet points. Get them to do most of the talking.