Ed Stetzer, in the book Breaking the Missional Code spends some time focusing on what existing churches need to do to really develop an external mission focus. I talk to pastors and leaders on a regular basis who say "we need revitalization" and Stetzer puts his finger on one of the key factors for this to happen. He says:
"Most churches are not breaking through - but they can. Churches that need revitalization need to ask why they are stagnant in the first place. It is amazing but consistent - churches that need to grow think they can do it without change! They think they can break the code by doing the same things they have always done. the problem is, if they keep doing things the same way, they will have the same results.
Instead, most churches need to be led to embrace healthy change if they are going to see different results. . . Change is often needed to be more effective. However, people resist change. But if more people can see that change will produce growth, they are often more open to changing.
Christians love seeing people come to Christ - they just forget that joy. Too frequently, they have chosen their traditions over their children. They have chosen their comfort over their effectiveness. they are part of that 89% of churches not experiencing healthy growth."
The challenge of course is what things might be changed for the sake of the Gospel and what things must not change. One of our congregations consistently uses the phrase "Eternity matters most!" By that they mean that they will do anything for the sake of sharing Jesus with people in their community so that they might be God's instruments in changing eternity for someone.
How are you doing with change? What would you be willing to change? What must never change?
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