Our church moved into a new worship center and we are continuing to expand. Along the way, we decided to make certain changes in worship style. We moved toward a blended approach, mixing the best of traditional and contemporary styles.

The following list, although not exhaustive, details lessons we learned through this process.

Take your time

This should come as no great surprise, but putting it into practice is another thing. Although we thought we were moving at a good pace, we were not. Key church leaders must take time to communicate why they are making changes and how they will implement them.

Do your homework

We may think we know everything about leading a church, but sometimes we miss the obvious. For example, I misunderstood the music philosophy past church leaders taught and its influence. One of my predecessors voiced a strong conviction about not using any instruments other than organ and piano in worship. Needless to say, people who had grown up under his leadership had a hard time accepting a full orchestra, especially drums and electric guitars.

Know where you're headed

Many wonderful church members have little frame of reference outside their own church. Some may fear that a change in worship style would be inconsistent with their theology or comfort level. Worship leaders must take time to educate and explain where change is leading.

Work to earn trust

Religious, political, and business scandals of past decades may have led to an inherent distrust of leadership in general. Though many leaders call this attitude unfair (and it is), it remains a reality. Trust comes out of respect and relationship. Once trust is earned, leading change becomes more manageable.

Expect challenges

It would be naive or foolish not to expect criticism during a time of change. People grieve loss, not change. Try to discern between legitimate concerns and petty complaints. Listen to those who come in a spirit of concern. Use that time to teach and explain why you're making certain changes.

Transition is a process, not an event

Many who answer the call to ministry want to see things happen fast. This is a good quality when forming plans, but not if you expect overnight change. Be patient. Wait on God. Wait on your people. Let God lead the change.

Call the right people

Do not overlook this. Many talented people do a phenomenal job leading music, but not everyone has the ability and temperament to lead change. Make sure any individuals or groups leading change are big-picture people who see the many facets of the church, not just the worship side.

Don't compromise quality

A familiar criticism of contemporary music is that it's not "real music." Though I understand the gist of such criticism, it is not always true. Perhaps some churches have helped perpetuate this criticism by lowering standards when singing or preparing for contemporary pieces. Make sure that whatever you do, you do all for the glory of the Lord. Give Him your best, regardless of the style.

Understand technical issues

We added two large IMAG (Image Magnification) screens in our new worship center. This element alone brought tremendous new challenges to worship planning each week! Don't forget that for every new application, someone who knows how to put it together must work behind the scenes. A bad production is worse than no production.

Be prayerful and careful

Never forget it is God's church, and Jesus is the head. Don't become trapped into thinking you have to find and follow the latest trends. Pray about the direction you should go, and let God affirm that direction. While methods come and go with every generation, the message never changes. Don't attempt to lead a church through any change until you and your leaders have spent time in prayer.

Remember that though risk is always present, the reward of seeing lives changed by the gospel is worth all the work and worry that accompanies any change.

Dr. Gary Hollingsworth is pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas. He holds ministry degrees from Southwestern and Southern Baptist Theological Seminaries, and has served on staff with the North American Mission Board.