Making Changes

Since I try to refrain from writing about politics (sometimes it is just not possible) I thought I would write about Churches. I have over 75 years of experience with Churches since I began being a regular attender when I was quite young. I took my first staff position when I was in College, a 17 year old Freshman. Over the years I have tried to learn the best methods and practices that create a place where the Word of God is clear and accurate, and the music is Christ centered rather than man centered, and where people were happy to come, willing to listen, and grew toward Spiritual maturity while enjoying the fellowship of friends and acquaintances. That is not always an easy task, but almost always a joyful one. Until I write the book “Making Changes in the Church of Jesus Christ,” let me share with you a couple (maybe more) of insights from my perspective.

First, change is a fact of life. It has been said that which does not change is dead. I believe that. Making changes is hard. People get used to doing “what we have been doing,” and aren’t really interested in changing. Just like our Nation, Churches make leadership changes every few years (normally). So it is vital to move slowly. One of the worst possible actions to take is making a list of the changes that will be taking place next Sunday. There is time to move slowly and carefully while recognizing that underneath the existing unity there are people who will like the change and others who will hate it. Nothing has to be accomplished in the first two weeks that won’t wait a few weeks, unless the Church is on fire or the bathrooms don’t work. Try to remember that not everyone is/was excited about the coming of a new Leader.

Secondly, don’t take sides in arguments or divisive discussions. So often both sides are willing to follow the Truth when it is made clear and understandable. Encourage people to talk to you about their thoughts and desires. Listen when they do. To be genuinely successful doesn’t require everyone to agree, but to recognize that we are a family, and families belong together, llove together, work together, and disagree together till the Truth is clear and evident and everyone is committed to the same task.

The smaller the group, the easier it is to reach consensus. Imagine if it were 300,000,000 million people. That might take. .  .years! Of course if one has an agenda that is not God’s agenda, the whole process will fail. The Truth is uncompromising. It is also mandatory!  Period, Paragraph!