The Change Equation - Holy Discontent Pt. 1

Several years ago I was called to pastor a church which had experienced a long season of decline. In their own words they said; "We know we have to change - or we will die." 

Buoyed by a unanimous call, and the equally unified admission of the need for change among all the members we spoke with during our home visits, I believed I had received a blank check, a mandate even, to engage in leading wholesale change.   (If you've ever led a church or group-you know where this is going.)

Some early changes I believed I had the endorsement to make:

• The bulletin
• The pulpit
• Removal of all the "hobby-lobby" type of Christian art and framed cross stitch throughout the building
• The order of service
• My preaching wardrobe - jeans instead of slacks

The masses (at least 12-15 of them) revolted.

A fun, but painfully true quote, which periodically circles the internet reminds us: "Pastors think they are going to change the world and then almost get fired when they change the bulletin." 

The church I was called to lead said they wanted change-but they were not emotionally ready for the changes God would lead us to make.

A PAINFUL REALIY
We tend to reject change when it costs us too much personally, when it disrupts our status quo. We resist change when it causes personal difficulty, even if there is a good likelihood that the change could bring about something better.

Some work against change if it means their influence over an organization (even a church) comes under threat. 

In an ever accelerating and changing world most people prefer stability, and seek to keep things as they are, they may protect it vigorously and fight whoever or whatever is threatening their way of living.

TWO TRUISMS
We all say we want change - until it has our address on it.

We resist change but may be more accepting of it when we experience pain, a barrier or realize it will be impossible to continue as we presently exist. 

ACCEPTING CHANGE  (begrudgingly) 
Some accept change when they are at the point of pain (physically, mentally or emotionally), or exasperation or when encountering a barrier so large they cannot possibly get round, over or through it in their own power or with their own resources. 

ACCEPTING CHANGE (willingly) 
There are times when the present circumstances, realties and conditions are rejected by those living in them. A strong reaction to what is-combined with the core conviction that this can no longer be leads to a receptivity for change, and often radical change,  being accepted, welcomed and even at times passionately pursued.

This is...

HOLY DISCONTENT
The unquenchable Spirit-initiated conviction that things are not as they should be-and that must change. 

“The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”  As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.  Nehemiah 1:3-4

This is a state of mind, heart and spirit, usually marked by strong emotion, sometimes grief, always passion and the unwavering conviction that change must occur and someone or some group has to seek that change with God's power and his grace.

How do people or a group or church arrive at Holy Discontent?  (stay tuned) 

Questions for Reflection:

1. Are you comfortable with the state of things? (in your life, church, family, finances)
2. Have you resisted change either passively or actively?
3. Is there something you're beginning to feel convicted about that needs to change? 

 
Want to go deeper? Here's a podcast on Holy Discontent over at The Replant Bootcamp.