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Discontinuous Change


When I was studying missional theology several years ago, I was introduced to the term “discontinuous change.”  In an article in 1993, William Pullen described it in this way: “Discontinuous change occurs in response to an abrupt event in the environment - a strategic shock - for which there is no organizational precedent. Discontinuous means the event is not continuous with the past or current direction of the organization.” 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly illustrates such a paradigm shifting event, but many of the changes engendered by this event were already on the horizon.  Especially for the church, the pandemic is simply accelerating what was going to happen anyway.  We have jumped forward in time and been forced to deal with conditions that were already emerging,

 

This reality came up in a conversation with a pastor recently.  In his situation, he has seen that worship is no longer the “front door” to his church.  They are still doing a hybrid approach to worship--limited in person (when possible) and online--but the shift in involvement has been to more missional ministries and small groups.  Many young adults have stepped up to do hands-on mission efforts.  Small groups--both virtual and in-person--are very attractive to those seeking community.  If we are honest with ourselves, we realize that we were already moving in these directions and the pandemic has simply accelerated the move.

 

In a recent blog, church consultant Cameron Trimble, noted four challenges of our new reality.

 

·       Economic hardship and disparity are generating devastating suffering.

·       Many people may not come back to Sunday morning services.

·       Belonging is being redefined beyond membership. 

·       We will need new organizational and staffing structures. 

 

Trimble asks, “Will we ‘go back to normal?’  Or will we realize our mission is more significant than we thought, more essential than we imagined, and will require a new imagination to live it out?

 

I hope we will see this as a blessing rather than a curse.  The discontinuous change we are experiencing pushes us to be both realistic and innovative.  Changes we thought were several years done the road are now upon us.  Let’s take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen our Kingdom mission.

 


 

 


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