Today I have been thinking about change. The scriptures reveal in Daniel 2:21 that it is God who changes the times and seasons. Through this simple text we learn a couple of key truths: 1. Change is going to happen, 2. It is God who brings or initiates change. These two simple truths actually bring great relief to me in the current world situation, and church culture. With the fast paced constant change in the world, and the pressure for the church to change it is easy to feel pressure and responsibility that do not belong to you. I have watched so many pastors and church leaders mishandle change.
I think it ought to be made illegal for any pastor or church leader to stand in his/her pulpit and declare "I am tired of church as usual." This usually brings a posture of confrontation. The ensuing confrontation is rarely a positive force for forward momentum. As a pastor or church leader the issue of how to handle change is vital. To simply declare ones frustration with the status quo is not enough, we must lead people through the process of change. Lead not push, pull, or point the way to change, but actually lead. This begins with a building of mutual trust. Your people will not follow you if they do not trust you, know you trust them and have their and the churches best interest at heart. It continues with a recognition and appreciation for the heritage and history of the church, an accurate realization of where the church is currently, and at least a mental sketch of where God wants to take His church. Once the leader has a firm grasp on these vitals he/she must communicate these to the church in love. A key aspect of this communication must be the painting of a portrait of a preferred future. Most people will be more motivated by a passionate vision for an improved future than they will be by a declaration of your frustration with the way things are now. This is by no means the totality of leading through change, but hopefully it is something to spark your thinking.
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