The Change Equation - Vision

Resistance to change: any word, threat or act designed to derail, delay, intimidate or upend forward progress toward the accomplishment of God’s revealed vision.

You’ve likely heard the quip; “A pastor believes he’s going to change the world, but almost gets fired when he changes the bulletin.” Sadly, as I can attest, it’s true. There are few things as sacred to a declining and dying church as the bulletin.

In our discussion about leading change we’ve walked through the left side of the equation and are now dealing squarely with the single element on the right: resistance to change. Here’s the truth, we love change until we don’t.

Usually we welcome change for others, changes that we’ve been considering or desiring but we may put up a hard stop when change has our address on its label. 

The older we grow chronologically the more change resistant we are likely to be. I don’t like changing my passwords, I’m not necessarily a fan of iOS updates and I might fly into a (I need my readers to see) rage if you change the numbers on the value meals at my local fast food spot. 

I like life how I like it. Every change I encounter reminds me, I’m one more day closer to glory. 

Change is the Only Constant
The world and our culture are constantly in flux. Improvements, regression, good ideas followed by bad, followed by corrective actions-it’s always been like this. You’re kidding yourself if you don't agree. Yet, there is one constant - God. He is, as the song goes, Age to Age the same. He never falters, fails, stumbles or slumbers. Yet, he is always on the move, working, raising up leaders, reaching new people, revealing himself (with consistency and fidelity) to new people throughout all generations. Everything changes, but God. Because this is true it demonstrates WHY we need Him, long for Him and why He is the Rock. 

Change Represents Loss
When we encounter something, like it and benefit from it we develop a desire and expectation that it will provide us a trusted experience or outcome with each successive encounter. As I mentioned above-we like what we like and want it over and over. So changing that experience, removing that constant represents a loss to us. Last I checked, no one likes to lose.

Change Creates Conflict
It is not difficult to draw the line between loss and conflict. Stop by the preschool room and watch what happens when one child takes something away from a classmate. The range of emotions, expressions and perhaps even physical retribution are easily predictable. Same with every adult you know. Create a change in the one thing or a few things they really really like, enjoy, value, desire - you’ll get a response. 

Change Perspectives with Vision
Most change we foist on people, organizations and churches is designed to improve the state of things, to enhance the culture, operations and enable us to meet shared objectives or mission. Leaders are always seeking to improve efficiency and effectiveness. If you’re a leader you intuitively see that, it’s the reason behind the change you are making, leading or suggesting. 
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Others don’t see what you see - at least not in the beginning. 

​Help them.
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Casting a clear vision ahead of changes is vital to overcoming the resistance to change. Vision is the why behind the what, it’s the foundational element that helps change the cultural chemistry of your church, organization or team. 
When people resist, go back to the vision. Is it clear, is it consistent with God’s call, are there initial first steps that can be taken toward its accomplishment? 


Questions for Reflection

​1. Are you pro-change or change-resistant? Why?
2. When did you lead change that was accepted? Rejected? What was different or the same about each? 
3. Can you cast a clear vision for the change you are proposing right now?