Trying to Find the Peanut Butter
How To Navigate Implementing Change in Your Ministry
With three boys at home, I spend a lot of time at the Grocery Store!
Recently, I went into our local Food Lion and discovered that not only was it being remodeled, it was being rearranged. They were busily relocating the products. I pretty much knew where everything was that I wanted to buy, but no longer. They now had a young lady with a paper print out of the new locations. If I couldn’t find them, she would consult her list and point me in the right direction.
I was NOT a fan of the change. I wandered about, muttering to myself, "Why can't they just leave well enough alone.” I even commiserated with some of the employees who felt the same way. It was then that I realized that I am like a lot of church members. Their leaders change something at church, and they are not happy.
I think very few people like change. In my doctoral work, I read an assigned textbook that was quite hefty. Care to guess the topic? Yes, change. The authors stated that their book "is aimed at anyone who wants to begin to understand why change happens, how change happens and what needs to be done to make change a more welcoming concept."1
I wish they could cover that in 10 pages, but it took 532! It's not an easy topic.
I have some suggestions for pastors on implementing change. I write from someone who has navigated these waters successfully (sometimes). Some change will never occur this side of heaven!
These suggestions are offered for significant change items. These are the changes that impact people. The type of changes they will notice.
Take your time before making changes.
There are a handful of items that must be dealt with immediately. Examples include heretical teaching, moral or ethical issues, and criminal activity. These can't wait!
For most other things - walk slowly! It might drive you nuts, but don't rush into changing things. You must establish yourself and be trusted before changing “the way we've always done it!"
Examine the need for change carefully and prayerfully.
Weigh out the need for change honestly. Is it worth the price you're about to pay? Sometimes, the answer is a resounding "yes!" Other times, it's just not worth it.
Get input from others before making a change.
The Bible says, Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14
Lean on and learn from other godly people who can give you wisdom on making significant changes. You’ll also want to get buy-in from your other leaders.
Explain why you're making a change.
While every change can't be explained, major changes should, and this should happen before the change takes place. As ministry leaders, we sometimes forget that we have been thinking about these changes for weeks, months, or even years, yet we expect the congregation to get on board in 5 minutes! Give them time to mull it over, and they may be much more receptive.
Welcome feedback about the change.
Invite feedback. Sometimes, people just want to express their thoughts and feelings, and sometimes, they may have a better idea for the change. Really listen to them.
Be willing to tweak the change.
Recognize that not every change works the way you thought it would. Be open to adjusting the change, and if necessary, even abandoning it.
Be ready for negativity about the change.
Some wit said, "Where you have 2 Baptists, you have 3 opinions!" Accept the fact that no matter what you do, not everyone is going to like the change. That doesn't mean that you abandon it, but it does mean that you understand that you may not be their favorite pastor anymore.
On that day at the grocery store, I blamed "the powers that be" at Food Lion. What were they thinking?!
Bear the responsibility for the change.
As the leader, you bear responsibility. Over the years, I've found that people blame me even for things I didn’t do! I'm convinced that some people who "freeze in worship" blame me because it's cold in the church! This comes with the position.
If the change is bad, take the responsibility. If the change results in greatness, share the praise with other team members.
I hope these suggestions make you a master change agent in your ministry.
Now, what aisle are the double stuffed Oreos on?
Change is hard. I want to help. Please feel free to contact me today to learn more about pastoral and productivity coaching. rodney@productivitycoaching.life