Some of the greatest controversy in the Church has come from changes made in the name of winning people for Christ. We think that if we become more relevant, people will come. And, perhaps that is true. The questions we must ask, however, are if it is enough to keep them coming, and most important, what role it will have in leading to people’s salvation.
The Apostle Paul made it clear that some change is legitimate for this purpose. — “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Cor. 9:22)
But, we need to always remember that the Power of the Gospel is what saves people, not our innovations. The Gospel must never get lost in all our efforts to adapt.
The Apostle Paul also made the motivations for such change clear. — “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” (1 Cor. 9:23) Why? Because the Gospel “is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes …” (Rom. 1:16).
Finding Perspective in Change Management through the Power of the Gospel
When we remember that any changes we might make for the good are mere tools, we approach change from a different perspective. We understand that the environment doesn’t cause people to accept God’s plan of salvation but rather it is the Gospel which is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). Consequently …
Before making changes, we weigh the cost. Are these changes really necessary? Are they worth the turmoil they might cause within the church or could our testimony for the Lord actually be damaged? Once we begin, will we be able to stay the course?
Read: Luke 14:28-35
While making changes, we guard our hearts against a shift in focus, even if ever so subtle. Are we starting to rely on these changes to win people to the Lord? Are we keeping focus on what truly brings salvation? Are we making it more about us and what we do or are we keeping it about the Lord and what He has done through Jesus?
Read: Psalm 139:23-24; Col. 2:6-17
After making changes, we evaluate the results. Did these changes adorn the Gospel or detract from it? Is there anything we should do differently to make sure the focus is more on God’s power through the Gospel?
Read: Titus 2:9-15
For More, Go To: Resources about the Gospel
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