Episode 291: 4 Reasons Your Church Struggles with Change

History: People think of their church as they did at their personal points of conversion

change threatens their history

change threatens their structure and control

grief

Fear: People are afraid they won't like the change

not all change works out well

the unknown is always risky

Trust: People question leadership motivation more than ever before

transitions and search teams

people follow their closest relationships

peer pressure is both positive and negative

Communication: People feel like change is forced on them

 

Possible reactions

Leaders give up on change = church declines and dies

Leaders push change too fast = church rebels and maybe splits; pastor loses credibility

Leaders push change alone = pastor loses credibility; most likely limits his tenure

 

Some thoughts:

Make history your friend, not your enemy...celebrate the past.

Acknowledge the emotional nature of change. Vulnerability helps.

Let trustworthiness and faithfulness become your personal ambition.

Over-communicate on a two-way street. Allow for feedback to your communication.