The Best Changes
The best changes threaten the old way of doing things because they work better. And even though these changes will bring improvement, it doesn’t mean change is easy—at least at first. This week I’m going to be talking about how to develop a culture of change in your church, team, or organization.
Change can hurt…especially when you don’t change with it. Our culture is changing with increasing speed, and as leaders we cannot simply ignore it and pretend that we are somehow insulated from it. It won’t go away. The rate of change in our world is accelerating, not slowing down.
Where would you put yourself on the change continuum? Are you eager for change? Do you respond to change well but find it challenging to initiate? Or is it difficult for you to experience change?
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I like routine, but there is a fine line between routine and rut. As a church leader, I’m supposed to be a change agent, and constant change is sometimes constant chaos. Does embracing a culture of change mean embracing more chaos, or is that just me?
I like change and adjust to change pretty quickly and pretty well but I would also add that to change for change sakes is not what I like either. Change with a purpose is when I do best. Also, given the current culture (church & world) I don’t think all change is good and should be adhered to.
Travis, great point that change often leads to chaos. And, I think that can be a good thing with the right leadership (after all, this IS a leadership blog).
For me, some level of chaos is necessary to move forward, innovate, think differently, and…change. In my life, I see God use chaos in my life time and again to bring about change in my heart. In fact, I would say that it’s only in chaos that you can be trained to find stability in God.
SO, if only because it brings about chaos (which is necessary), I like change.
In an odd sort of way change is difficult for me because I embrace it so much. Change not only comes easy to me, but I am somewhat lost if I’m not navigating through some type of change. The reason this makes change difficult for me is because I’m a pastor and I find myself getting frustrated with those who struggle with change. Chances are when I change something, I am changing the very reason someone may have chosen to attend our church. I think the church is the only place on earth that you can have people who embrace change in almost every other area of their life accept the church. Being a pliable person by nature doesn’t always spill over into our church involvement because what we do is so personal and almost no one’s preferences match the other. As a pastor, I’m more motivated by what will work with the masses. Joe church attender is motivated more by what will work with him/her. So I struggle with embracing this element of change. Frankly it is hard but not because I don’t like it, but because I like it and embrace it perhaps too much more than those I lead. I guess I struggle with the constant change of change.
I embrace change…even thrive off of it. I have lived a life of change. I love to see things new and it motivates me to start something new. :)
SURVEY, THINK, ADJUST, CHANGE… (repeat) As a young leader I remember reading the book “Who Moved My Cheese” which is a classic illustration that reveals profound truths about how individuals and organizations deal with change. I often times re-read portions of the book or watch the training video as a reminder.
Discernment, Seeing The Writings On The Wall and being sensitive to The Spirit are some of the most important things that we can do; to always be prepared and stay ahead of the change curve.
I’m excited for this series of posts. I’m eager for change and interested learning how to best influence the change that needs to happen at my church.
I don’t like routine, and I’m energized by conceiving of and creating new things. The next big idea is generally more exciting to me than repeating our current program.
I suppose that puts me way more on the CHANGE side.
Another great post Craig! I’m wondering if you would help those of us who desire change and agree with change, but feel helpless in many “change” arenas. Take internet campuses for example - I think its great - AND needed, but have absolutely no resources to even begin addressing that needed change.
What do we do when we see a need and CAN’T fill it?
I love change as much as the next guy…However, I think that we have to be careful that we are not changing simply for change sake. Some teams are so hooked on change, that they change methods that are still working effectively.
I think it takes a strong leader to evaluate change and to know when it is necessary, and when we need to keep something the same because it is effective. Change by itself is not what it effective, but rather change with a purpose and a clear cut goal that makes the difference.
I am eager to change, but it seems so difficult to do that more times than none i get caught up with the difficulty of change that i don’t.
Galatians 1:14
What traditions are we holding on to that we can move past?
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I completely agree with Jay, that we need to be careful of change for change sake. We are currently in a situation at our 111 year old church where “established” is viewed as “sacred cow” and needs to be changed, because if we have been doing it for 10 or 20 years it must be outdated. Just this week my wife showed me a quote I thought was great for our current situation and applicable here: “I wish they’d remember that the charge to Peter was feed my sheep; not try experiments on my rats, or even, teach my performing dogs new tricks.” - C.S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm.
I like change… as long as I’m in charge of it. :) I say that mostly joking. Most of the time, change is exciting, and I thrive during the process.
i thrive on change
I would expect Swerve readers to tend toward change. I like change so much, I’m likely to jump off a cliff without a parachute. :) Bring it on Bobby.
I’d say I’m eager for change in most areas especially church…BUT…I’d also say if I feel it’s working I’m probably more resistant to changing.
The key is changing before you are FORCED to change.
I agree with Jason. Change it BEFORE it breaks.
This is a superb topic and I am glad you are doing a study on this. I have pastored this church for 17 years and we have had lots of change but we are embarking on the biggest one yet. The change of Senior Leadership. I have struggled with change over the years but as a leader I knew that either I change or die. I do not like the second option so I change. I am looking forward to your comments Craig. We have certainly embraced the change that technology brings and we have certainly enjoyed pioneering Liechurch.tv here in Australia thanks to Kevin. Even though I have struggled with Change I always enjoy the benefits of it.