Is Your Church Ready for Change?

When a church finally realizes it is time for a change, the attitude is often, “Let’s just bite the bullet and get this done.” In other words, we realize that this is needed, so let’s not waste time on reflection or preparation, let’s just act.

There are times when expediency is important--an opportunity for a new ministry comes along and requires immediate action or a crisis requires a snap decision. Most of the time, however, the church has time to address change with an appropriate time for discernment and choice.

When it comes time to consider changes that are truly transformational, Jim Herrington and his colleagues writing in Leading Congregational Change suggest that you take the time to assure that your church has a base of spiritual and relational vitality. If these core strengths are not present, change may rip your church apart.

Spiritual and relational vitality are two dimensions of a single reality that Christ taught in this way: “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV)

Before your church makes significant decisions about the future, take the time to pray and build community with one another. Here are a couple of strategies to consider:

First, engage the entire congregation in intentional, corporate times of prayer. One resource is

40 Days of Prayer: Preparing Ourselves for God's Calling by Mark Tidsworth. This book provides readings and reflections that will facilitate both personal and church wide prayer engagement. Supplement the use of this resource with preaching and teaching about prayer as essential in guiding God’s people.

Second, provide opportunities for dialogue through town hall or roundtable sessions. These are not decision-making or business sessions but times when those who are part of the church can share their own insights, desires, and concerns while hearing from others in a conversation. This may be facilitated by the pastor, a respected lay leader, or an outside person such as a judicatory leader or a consultant.

There are many other ideas that will come to mind but the goal is to be intentional in strengthening the spiritual and relational vitality of the congregation before any actions are initiated. This will encourage the congregation to move forward with love and mutual commitment.

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