Episode: Duane Grobman on Change
On the heels of his recent episode, A Theology of Change, Bishop Todd and longtime spiritual director, coach and friend Duane Grobman explore the complexities of leadership transitions—especially the difference between change and transition. Their conversation feels extra timely as C4SO prepares for the pivotal leadership transition from Bishop Todd to Bishop-Elect Jeff Bailey. Duane and Bishop Todd discuss emotional responses to change, the significance of trust, and the necessity of being attentive to both personal and communal dynamics.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Change is situational, while transition is a psychological process.
• Why all change involves loss
• How non-anxious leadership fosters a healthier environment during change
• The neutral zone in transitions can be uncomfortable but necessary.
Key Quotes:
• “Renewal is possible only by going through transition.”
• “A biblical definition of peace is completeness, contentment and being in the care of God.”
• “Identifying what we hold tightly to can reveal our underlying fears.”
Resources Mentioned:
• Quote from Brennan Manning in Ruthless Trust:
The way of trust is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, not into some predetermined, clearly delineated plan for the future. The next step discloses itself only out of a discernment of God acting in the desert of the present moment. The reality of naked trust is the life of a pilgrim who leaves what is nailed down, obvious, and secure, and walks into the unknown without any rational explanation to justify the decision or guarantee the future. Why? Because God has signaled the movement and offered it his presence and his promise.
• TEND Spiritual Direction, Coaching and Consulting
Connect with Duane Grobman
Connect With Bishop Todd:
• Visit Bishop Todd’s website for more resources.
• Follow Bishop Todd on Substack.