Change can be a difficult process for churches but we have the power of God’s Word to guide us each step of the way. We can find specific Bible verses to help in the change process from start to finish.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Ps. 119:105)
Church Leaders, Remember These Bible Verses to Help in the Change Process
The verses listed below by no means encompass all God has to say about each of these aspects in the change process but they provide a good starting point or reminder for us to grab hold of as we create, implement, and navigate change.
Scripture verses exhorting you to seek help, beginning with God, in decision-making when creating change:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:5-6)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Prov. 1:7)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Prov. 9:10)
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Eph. 5:15-17)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. (Prov. 1:5)
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (Prov. 12:15)
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Prov. 15:22)
Bible verses about keeping God’s priorities always before you when about to make changes:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matt. 6:33)
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt. 22:37-40)
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1 Cor. 13:1-3)
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Col. 3:1-2)
Scripture verses to help you implement a process that’s filled with integrity that brings glory to God:
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.(Prov. 14:12)
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. (Prov. 10:9)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (Matt. 16:26)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:2)
… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. (Phil. 4:8)
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8)
Bible verses to remember in dealing with conflict during the change process:
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of … (Rom. 14:19-23)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph. 6:10-12)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:2-3)
… then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather … he humbled himself … (Phil. 2:2-8)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Col. 3:15-16)
Scripture verses that help with feelings of stress and anxiety as you navigate change that lead instead to the courage, strength, peace, and determination you need to keep going:
I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Ps. 16:8)
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (Ps. 27:14)
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Ps. 28:7)
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Ps. 55:22)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matt. 11:28-30)
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5)
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Gal. 5:16)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1:7)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Pet. 5:7)
What a difference it makes in the change process when we remember and live by the above Bible verses because of the power of God’s Word!
For More, Go To: Resources about God’s Word
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