013: Making Changes in Church

I can’t remember where I got these two points from (I think they are from a podcast I was listening to), but I’ve found them helpful when thinking about how to get support for any proposed change in church life and ministry, where that be from elders or church members.

The first point is give people time to absorb. They need the opportunity to understand, reflect on, think about, question, give input to what is being suggested. Giving people time to absorb rather than requiring instant support for the proposed change as it, allows time for them to help shape the proposal (making it better), and to own it themselves and be fully behind it.

The second point is give people time to change. Opposition to a change is not always permanent. Not rushing to action what is being proposed can give time to build unity, which is better in the long run. After giving people time to change, if there still isn’t complete unity behind what is being proposed, at that point it is useful to grade the issue to decide how much unity is required to proceed (a simple majority, overwhelming support, unanimous).

Whatever the issue, “try to ensure that the discussion is around what is best for the gospel.”

(Photo: Julia Joppien)