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)
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 to grow to a new place.  What does it take to change?

10 Signs you’re not ready for change:

1. We believe conflict is a bad thing.
2. We’re trying to avoid the criticism that comes when we fail — and when we succeed.
3. We think the surrounding culture needs to think like we do (instead of contextualizing the gospel for them – like a missionary would).
4. Our lives are too fast and cluttered — and there’s no space to dream.
5. We value being right over being in right relationship.
6. We think disillusionment is a bad thing (to have an illusion is to have a false idea).
7. We’ve stopped asking questions.
8. We think systems and strategy are the enemy of creativity (remember, we’re invited to live in the tension of Spirit AND Truth).
9. We’re expecting to receive credit for our ideas.
10. We think we’ve already arrived.