Someone said the only permanent thing in life is change. And we all agree that change can be difficult. But it's especially difficult in the church. Renewing and revitalizing an established church is one of the hardest things that a congregation can do. Established churches have meaningful histories, "sacred" traditions and a culture that permeates everything that church does. Change will require a lot of prayer, a lot of sharing and discussion, a huge dose of patience, God-inspired leadership that will persevere through more than average criticism, and most importantly, God-inspired members who will commit to the dream of reaching this generation for Christ.
One of the tough barriers to change is the assumption that change means we're doing something wrong -- that somehow the way we do church, worship God, nurture each other and reach out to our community is wrong. But change doesn't mean something's wrong. Change simply offers a different way that is more effective and fruitful for God's kingdom. Ask yourselves as a congregation, "Is there a better way, a more effective way, a more fruitful way to reach people for Christ and nurture them in faith?"
Years ago, Bob Dylan sang, "for the times, they are a-changin'!" And he was right. The world around us is rapidly changing. For the church to have maximum fruitfulness, it too must change. Not our message -- the Gospel is timeless and relevant to every generation and culture -- but our methods and approaches must always change and adapt to every generation. What worked decades ago doesn't seem to be impacting our culture today.
Every congregation seeking to be faithful to their calling from God needs to be brutally honest and periodically ask themselves four questions:
- What's working for us right now? (What programs, ministries, worship styles are effective in reaching people, and growing our church?)
- What needs to be tweaked or adjusted to continue to be effective? (Often, the hardest thing to change is what seems to be working. But if you wait until it is losing impact, then you waited too long. This is the principle of pruning. You prune ministries and programs to make them more fruitful.)
- What needs to be totally overhauled? (What programs and ministries need an "extreme makeover"? In other words, the people's needs and potential are still there, but your current methods are just not effective.)
- What needs to be celebrated, then given a "funeral" and farewell? (Someone pointed out, "When your horse is dead, dismount!" Too often churches continue programs, ministries and methods that died long ago. Instead, have a party and celebrate them. Remember that at one time, they worked. Then "bury them" so you can redirect the resources of people, energy and finances to develop new ministries/programs or further resource those that are working.)
Effective change can do the church good. Just follow God's Spirit and roll up your sleeves -- there is a world to reach for Christ.
