Creating Positive Change

It's been said there are three types of leaders: risk takers, care takers, and undertakers. Few things in life are more risky or difficult than bringing about a new order of things. George Barna says, "Church growth is not so much a formula as it is a series of creative and sensitive responses to a changing environment".

Most people reject change of any kind. John Maxwell said recently, "Leaders hate change as much as anyone, unless it's their idea". This statement alone gives us some insight on how to initiate change in our churches.

Why do people resist change?

1. We become comfortable with the status quo.
2. Change equals loss. For example, starting a new Sunday School class means a loss of fellowship, familiarity, and routine.
3. We think, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Actually, repeating, even successful strategies, will often end in failure. Elmer Towns wrote a book in the 1970's entitled "The 10 Largest Churches in America". Twenty years later, none of those churches were on the list.
4. Fear of failure or of people. As a leader, if I feel that the introduction of a change will bring about division in the church, I might be fearful to initiate it. A fear of man has
5. stagnated many churches.

How does a Pastor introduce and make a change? Here are some steps that have been helpful to me.

1. Pray for God's will. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 The idea is not to just "try something new" or "go out on a limb for Jesus". '. Pray for God's heart. Once you have it, you will realize the change not only should take place, but must take place.
2. Help your people realize the dissatisfaction with the present condition. They need to see the reason for the change. For example, before introducing the idea of two worship services, help the church see the overcrowded condition, and perhaps the different solutions to solving the problem. When they see that dual services are the best and most economical answer, they are more apt to embrace the change.
3. Gather information wisely. Ask - what is the worst thing that could happen? If you are not ready to accept the answer to that question, then you probably lack the fortitude to see the change through. Ask what needs to happen? Seek godly counsel, research other churches in similar situations. Leave no stone unturned.
4. Communicate the change to key leaders. Let them have key input. After all, you would hate the idea if it were not yours. Give your leaders time to process and accept the change. Some people will accept the change early. Others will get on board during the process. However, some people will never accept the change. A leader must not be afraid to lose people.
5. Be sensitive to timing.
6. Manage your stress level. Those who are resistant to change may become the meanest people on earth. The heartbreaking part is that they think they are doing God's will. You may be called a dictator (translation: I'm not getting my way). Prepare your heart for criticism and attacks. Pray for God's confidence and calmness.
7. Be determined to follow through. Once you have initiated the change, see it through to its completion.

We live in a changing society. The gospel message never changes - methods have to. Without change, there is no growth - personally or corporately. Until next time...