I thought I had seen most everything in church. Even though I grew up in a pastor's home, I wasn't prepared for what I saw when I first entered into full-time ministry. As a university minister at an established church, I served alongside a pastor who followed a respected, long-tenured pastor. While few outward changes were made by the new pastor initially, there was great change in the style and personality of the leader. After a brief "honeymoon" period, several influential leaders in the church decided they didn't like the changes made by the new pastor. Trouble emerged when the leaders expressed their concerns and the pastor didn't respond in the way they wanted and expected.
I had a front row seat to a good ole' church standoff. Opposing sides remained at odds after numerous meetings between the various committees, deacons, and members of the congregation. Eventually, a mutually agreed upon Christian mediator was hired to help resolve the conflict, and a church vote was cast. The result? The pastor left, many church members fled, and the once-vibrant ministering church has never been the same.
The main lesson I learned during that time is that many churches and people despise change of any kind. Others love change and are easily bored unless something new is happening. The reality is, however, that change is often necessary and important for personal and church growth. Discerning the right timing for approaching change is challenging but vital.
When is it time to make a change?
1. When the change represents a biblical principle
When a church is out of sync with God's Word, a change must occur. Many churches are tradition-based instead of Scripture-based. They have operated for years in traditional ways that make sense to them, but they are biblically inconsistent.
Whenever there is a question about upholding biblical concepts, the church must align with Scripture. When a church neglects actions such as sharing the gospel, making disciples, and helping the poor, changes are needed to ensure these (and all other) scriptural mandates remain priorities.
2. When the change will result in reaching more people for Christ
I live in a calm, sleepy town of about 25,000 people in Central florida. Despite the quaintness of the city, many in our community struggle with drug and alcohol addiction.
Our pastor emeritus, Charles Roesel, addressed this problem many years ago by starting an overnight gospel shelter on our church's property. The good news was that people were hearing the gospel and being ministered to in the name of Christ. The bad news was that those same people continued to struggle to overcome substance abuse.
In order to address the root problem, Pastor Roesel changed the church's evangelism strategy. After lengthy discussions and much time spent in prayer, the congregation chose to pioneer a ministry-based philosophy that continues to meet practical needs in the name of Christ today. Now needs such as hunger, health care, addiction, and shelter are met - while giving a clear, vibrant gospel presentation.
Initially, the changes were not easy for the church. There were disagreements during business meetings. Dreams of a new education building were put on hold so more needs could be addressed. We defeated the resistance as we more fully understood God's desire to use our congregation to transform our community.
A simple change to the style of music, an upgrade in facilities, and an enhanced ministry to youth and children can increase opportunities to share the gospel. Ministry methods can and should change, but the message of the gospel is timeless. When a relevant change (that is consistent with Scripture) can be made to increase our effectiveness in reaching people for Christ, it should be strongly and prayerfully considered.
3. When God is clearly initiating a change
Scripture is clear that God does speak to and lead His people to initiate change. The story of Nehemiah illustrates this principle. Nehemiah had a strong sense of calling from the Lord to go and repair the protective wall around Jerusalem, which had been destroyed. Obedience would require a change of location, occupation, and focus, but Nehemiah knew God was calling him to the task.
Sometimes that is the case for deacons and lay members. Be open to the reality that God speaks to all believers. Before dismissing others' ideas, be willing to seek confirmation of whether God is initiating their viewpoint concerning change. They may bring a new and innovative concept that will be a great solution.
When should change be avoided?
1. When there Is no compelling reason to change
A few weeks before the approaching Easter season, my wife asked me, "Honey, do you want to have ham again for Easter dinner this year?"
I scrolled through my brain, attempting to remember a verse that would affirm, "Thou must havest ham for Easter." In my mind, there was no reason to change that traditional meal. I looked at her with surprise and said, "Of course I want ham! It's Easter."
As church leaders, we must avoid changing anything just for the sake of change. We should not "fix" things that are working well just because we are ready for something else. If there is no compelling reason to change the worship times, curriculum, or church structure, then we should consider postponing the change.
2. When our motives are wrong
Several years ago, I served at a church where a group of members attended a well-known, innovative church conference. They enthusiastically returned home, talking about how great the conference was and all the changes they felt needed to be made at our own church. As I debriefed with the group, I heard ardent pleas about "being like that church" but very little talk about what God was initiating for our church.
When we have a "let's-be-like-that-church" mentality, we can get ourselves into deep trouble. Our motive must be glorifying God rather than making a name for ourselves and our churches. Perhaps 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs us best: "Whatever you do, do every.thing for God's glory." If motives are right and we honor God with our actions, He will bless.
3. When our attitude is wrong
Change that occurs in the midst of ungodly attitudes will lead to great setbacks. James 3:16 reminds us, "Where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil."
Let's face it: change happens! Sometimes we rush ahead quickly to embrace it, and sometimes we cower in fear of it. Let us be encouraged to seek wisdom and insight from God, always moving for ward to make changes only when needed and only to the glory of God.
This article originally appeared in Deacon Magazine.