To be the salt and light in the world we are called to be, we need to always maintain God’s unchanging truth but be willing to make changes in how that message is presented. Yet, in the church we frequently find resistance to change. Such resistance often stems from fears and insecurities.
The Great Commission Can Help Us Overcome Fears & Insecurities Related to Resistance to Change
If we look at the Great Commission in its entirety we find help for overcoming those fears and insecurities as we “go and make disciples.”
1) Make changes under our Lord Jesus’ authority.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations … (Matt. 28:18-19a)
2) Keep the focus on the Lord throughout the change process, and on helping others become more fully devoted followers of Him, not on pleasing people or making yourself look good.
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matt. 28:19b-20a)
3) Remember that the Lord is with you when you function under His authority, so change is possible.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt. 28:20b)
If you find yourself or others in your church resistant to change, ask which of the above three points needs to be addressed and take the steps to line up with the realities of the Great Commission.
Please Note: The Steering the Church Toward Discipleship Leadership Guide contains some input on each of the above points.
For More on the Great Commission, Go To: Discipleship Resources
All Posts about Change Management:
- Managing Change According to Church Purpose?
- Body Life Critical to Change Management
- Body Life Provides Safeguards During Change
- Overcoming Resistance to Change
- Managing Change Well Takes Christ-like Thinking
- Managing Change Well Takes Christ-like Attitudes
- Managing Change Well Takes Christ-like Actions
- Power to Navigate Change Well
- Power of Gospel Gives Perspective in Change Management
- Grace Bookend Your Change Process?
- The Spirit Helps Us Navigate Change
- Power for Change in the Name of the Lord
- Change in His Name
- Change For His Name’s Sake
- Change Possible Because of Resurrection Power
- A Change Process Leading to Growth
- Usefulness of Scripture in Change Management
- Bible Verses to Help in the Change Process
- Need to Make Changes? First Ask, Seek, Knock.
- Guiding People to Navigate Change Well
- Servants Not Controllers of the Change Process
- Shepherds Help People Navigate Change
- Navigating Change May Require Demolishing Strongholds