How to implement change
How to Implement Change
Change is inevitable. It is part of life, part of business, part of organizations and part of ministry. Regardless of where or what the change is it can be difficult. People naturally want to keep things the same. Maybe it’s because they are comfortable with how things are, or they may fear the unknown or perhaps they just don’t want to go through the work needed to change. Regardless of the reason change will always be necessary until Jesus returns.
Making changes in ministry can often be the most difficult because of the culture and dynamics involved with people in a church. So how do you effectively implement change in your church or ministry? There are three ways to approach change.
1. Keep Things the Same
The easiest option is to not make any changes. This way you avoid making people mad and it will save you from all the stress of going through the process of making the change.
The problem with this approach is the result means no growth. It means being satisfied with the status quo which actually means going backwards.
If you are the leader and you choose this option it will stifle and frustrate you because you have been designed to lead your church to grow and have great impact for the kingdom of God.
2. Change Things Fast
This approach runs the risk of destroying or at the very least damaging your ministry. If a semi truck is driving 75 miles an hour down the interstate and the driver wants to change direction he must slow down his truck to a speed that allows him to safely make the turn. If he tries to turn his truck at full speed he will crash the truck.
New Pastors often like to take this approach in ministry. They want to quickly establish themselves and implement the things they think will make a difference. However, before taking this approach there are several things that should be considered. For example what are the strengths that the ministry currently enjoys that potentially would be lost with a sudden change in direction? Are you ready to lose those strengths? Are you prepared to lose good people who genuinely love the Lord and have gifts and talents that can help build your church? Why does the change need to happen right away? Would it make a difference if you waited a week – 2 weeks – a month – a year? What is the real motivation for the change? Are there control issues behind those changes? Are you being impatient?
As exciting and needful the change may be, often there are more downsides than upsides to this approach. Each situation is different and requires Godly wisdom and excellent leadership to effectively implement change. If a church is broken and already destroyed this might be your only option. But if there is any chance that making adjustments step by step over a period of time would work, then option three is the better choice.
3. Change Things Slowly
There are many advantages to taking change step by step slowly moving your people toward the new direction and place for your church or ministry.
First, this approach allows you, the leader, the opportunity to make adjustments and get more clarity as to what exactly needs to happen. Very rarely do we have the exact details or even the final destination we need to reach at the beginning of making a change. It takes time! Making small incremental changes gets us to where we really need to be with fewer mistakes and less damage.
Second, most all of your leaders and people will make the change if given time to process and understand what is happening. If you just dump it on them you will meet resistance. When you lead people over a period of time they catch the vision and it creates momentum.
Another benefit, you learn more about your people, who they are and what they can do. Also, more of them will become engaged in the process which in turn strengthens them for the next chapter of change. The better you know your people and the more you understand their needs and their gifts the better you will be able to lead them.
Last thought – How does God approach us?
God is patient with us. He takes the slow approach. Why? He knows we grow slowly. While we were born again instantaneously, we are being saved (sanctified) over time. God working in us to will and do His good pleasure. He diligently guides us by his Spirit gradually conforming us into the image of Christ.
Is there any reason not to lead your church in the same way that God leads us?
Selah?
