Think of what too often accompanies change in the Church — self-centeredness, self-ambition, arrogance / pride, disunity. These are the opposite of what God exhorts us to display toward one another in Philippians 2:1-4 — “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.”
So, what is going wrong with the way we manage change? Read on in Philippians 2 and we find the answer. We are to “have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (NASB). The problem with change in the Church too often stems from people who are not exhibiting Christ-like attitudes … whether that be church leaders and/or others within the congregation.
Don’t expect people to embrace change if we don’t approach it with Christ-like attitudes.
The attitude of Christ is one of humility and servanthood (Phil. 2:5-8). He did not use His position as God Himself to force His ways on people. He exercised both grace and truth in dealing with people (Jn. 1:14, 17).
What will church leaders who manage change with Christ-like attitudes do? Order the Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide for some suggestions along with the above content.
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
Being a servant DOES NOT MEAN being a doormat and flip flopping when people resist change. NOT EVERYBODY FOLLOWED JESUS in the change He came to implement.
How true, Bill. Jesus did not give up at the first sign of resistance. He knew His purpose and was intent on following the Father’s will. Once we discern God’s will, giving up or changing course could be more a sign of people pleasing than pleasing God.