Neighborhoods change faster than the
churches within their borders can adapt. Empty pews and a lighter
offering plate lead to the congregation's demand that “something”
be done. At the same time, churches, like all organizations, resist
change. So, a tug of war begins between the fear too little change
(reflected in the loss of members) and too much change (something of
value is lost.) Conflict is unavoidable when a church faces change.
The awareness that things are not the
way they were or could be brings pain. This pain must be processed if
the church is to become healthier through positive, lasting change.
Encourage dialog and
position disagreements as different approaches to common goals.
Listen to the fear and complaining. Do not try to win
people over with a positive vision of a preferred vision.
Listening does not mean agreement.
People will need understanding as they cope with their feelings of
loss and fear of the unknown. Emotional language will dominate
conversations during this time.
Although leaders may have already
processed their feelings, it's
important not to run ahead of the church. Wait for church members to
catch up. Otherwise, a toxic atmosphere will be created that will
have a negative impact on the church's witness.
A period of celebrating the past and
understanding the church's initial vision can be followed by a time
of quiet reflection. This can bring healing.
Discovering the neighborhood's needs
and assets can be an exercise in doing “something” that is
productive without making any changes. This time of analysis can be a
wilderness experience of empty space where something
new and wonderful emerges. We encounter God in the wilderness.
To
every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the
heaven
Ecclesiastes
3:1
