Leading Change Without Losing Yourself (or your Church)

Without a doubt change is inevitable.  It is one of those things pastors simply cannot avoid if they want to remain faithful to the Great Commission.

Every church will go through seasons of change.  Neighborhoods change.  Generations change.  Churches that were once successful begin to experience decline.  New opportunities and challenges arise.  And often the church must change just to stay true to the mission.

I can say with absolute certainly that leading through change is hard.  I have had my fair share of bumps and bruises along my journey.  But leading change without losing yourself or your people can be even harder.

Through the years I have known pastors who felt so overwhelmed by the need to lead through change, that the change slowly began to change them.  They became bitter, defensive, burned out, critical and even cynical.  But I have also seen churches grow so resistant to change they forgot why the church exists in the first place.

There must be a better way.

Leaders who lead through change effectively will find a way to preserve their wellbeing while leading others through four simple truths.

Remember What Cannot Change

Before you can lead change, pastors must know what can never change.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  The gospel does not change.  God's Word is still authoritative and true.  The mission God has given His church does not change.

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, NKJV

Ministries will change.  Strategies will change.  Buildings will change.  Even people will come and go.  But biblical doctrine and the gospel message entrusted to us will not and should not change.

Healthier change happens when pastors know the difference between biblical non-negotiables and ministry preferences.

Shepherd People

Most pastors understand where the church needs to go.  We spend countless hours crafting vision and strategy.  The challenge is we sometimes fail to remember that we need to lead others to join us on the journey.

Peter told pastors to shepherd God’s people. “not as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3, NKJV).

Most people do not resist change because they are obstinate.  Sometimes they are simply afraid.  Sometimes they just don’t understand.  And sometimes what you are changing reminds them of something meaningful and precious from their past.

As leaders we must learn to listen first.   Ask questions to gain greater clarity.  Communicate the “why” behind the recommended changes.  Take the time to honor the people who have invested their lives to build the ministries you are asking them to now change.  You can appreciate the past without believing past methods are sufficient for tomorrow’s mission.

Don’t Confuse Urgency with Impatience

Too often we pastors try to lead change too quickly.  You might see the future in sharp focus while the rest of your church is still looking through old glasses.  Just because people do not see it does not mean you are wrong.  It may mean that you simply need to shepherd them with patience.

Paul encourages,  “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9, NKJV

Some changes are urgent.  Other changes can wait.  Ask yourself: What needs to change now?  What can wait?  What requires more prayer, conversation, and trust?

Leaders need to remember that sometimes slowing down a bit will actually get you to the goal faster.

Guard Your Own Soul

This may be the one items pastors struggle with the most.

Understand leading change in your church is possible without damaging your soul. However, if you live in conflict, criticism, strategies, and solving problems, your ministry can slowly turn from something you love into something you merely survive.

Jesus told us, “Abide in Me, and I in you.” John 15:4, NKJV

Prioritize your soul.  Guard your time in prayer.  Stay in the Word for yourself, not just for your next sermon.  Keep friendships with people where you are not “Pastor.”  Listen to your wife or husband.  Take a vacation.  Laugh often and find times to rest.  Take time to step away from the daily grind to recalibrate your spirit.

Your church needs your leadership, but it also needs a healthy shepherd.

Lead Like a Shepherd

Pastoral leadership is not about convincing others to adopt our ideas.  It is about helping God’s people to discover and fulfill the purposes God has for them.

So hold truth firmly.  Hold your opinions and preferences loosely.  Love others deeply.  Move with understanding and patience.  Communicate often.  And guard your soul carefully.

You can lead change.  You can love your church.  You just can’t do both if you lose yourself along the way.

The goal is not for us to arrive at simply becoming a different church.  The goal is to take the journey and arrive at the Lord’s destination together.  All the along the way loving Jesus, loving each other, and living on mission.

Blessings,

Will