I've been working in the church change arena for the better part of a decade. What I know - people who are still sitting in the pews are the *least* likely to change. Why? they're the ones still there! they're the ones for whom the dying system still works, or works enough for them to still be there.
These are the folks who need to be supported in every way to actually keep things the same!
The change starts building around them, little by little. It comes in bite-sized pieces where they can see the good in it. It comes without threatening the things most dear to them - their worship, their building, their beloved community members.
I think of my job as like those people who literally move houses from one place to another. Gently, slowly, and with respect and care for the valuable bones of this structure.
this is so true!
I've been working in the church change arena for the better part of a decade. What I know - people who are still sitting in the pews are the *least* likely to change. Why? they're the ones still there! they're the ones for whom the dying system still works, or works enough for them to still be there.
These are the folks who need to be supported in every way to actually keep things the same!
The change starts building around them, little by little. It comes in bite-sized pieces where they can see the good in it. It comes without threatening the things most dear to them - their worship, their building, their beloved community members.
I think of my job as like those people who literally move houses from one place to another. Gently, slowly, and with respect and care for the valuable bones of this structure.