Change is hard work. Looking at the book of Nehemiah (an example of a masterful change-agent) we see he did three initial things — 1) he established a sense of urgency (including identifying and embracing the crises as well as “grace disguised” opportunities), 2) he created a guiding coalition (in other words he put together a group with enough influence to lead the change and sought to help them work together like a team), and 3) he developed a vision and strategy (asking, “how do we get there from here?”).
Following is a list that has been percolating in me regarding the opportunities that have been placed before us to take our church to a new place. What does it take to change?
10 Signs You’re Not Ready for Change
- You believe conflict is a bad thing.
- You are trying to avoid the criticism that comes when you fail — and when you succeed.
- You think the surrounding culture needs to think like you do (instead of contextualizing the gospel for them – like a missionary would).
- your life is too fast and cluttered — and there’s no space to dream.
- You value being right over being in right relationship.
- You think disillusionment is a bad thing (remember, to have an illusion is to have a false idea).
- You’ve stopped asking questions.
- You think systems and strategy are the enemy of creativity (remember, we’re invited to live in the tension of Spirit AND Truth).
- You’re expecting to receive credit for your ideas.
- You think you’ve already arrived.
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