I recently heard of a church that is going through a difficult time. Certain changes were proposed and people will support the changes so long that they are not impacted by these changes.
People are like that sometime. When we're comfortable, change is the last thing we want to deal with.
Making changes in the church can be difficult but not impossible. It's how you propose the change that is important.
Pete Steinke gets it right when he wrote, "Resistance to change is far less intense and protracted when change is made for the sake of the mission."
People need to understand why the change, whatever it is, is being sought. How does this change impact the mission of the church. How will the mission of the church be strengthen by making the necessary change. What is the benefit to those who are being effected by the change. Why is it worth making the sacrifice so that the mission of the church moves forward.
There is an old joke that goes, "How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb? CHANGE!" So, we don't like change. But sometimes it is worth it if the change will lead to a stronger church with new opportunities to fulfill the mission the Lord has given to the church.
