Navigating Change

We all know change can be hard and it's harder for some than for others. There are all sorts of articles and blogs and videos out there about why change is hard - google "why is change hard" and you will see! Knowing it's hard is not the problem for leaders in the church, but navigating changes in a way that will make it easier or allow the change to happen at all is what we need to tackle.

Let's talk about 5 ways to navigate change as a ministry leaders. 

We are not talking about tweaks or minor changes here such as changing the order of a service, traffic flow in the parking lot, or check-in process for kids. We are talking about changes that impact everyone in a real way such as changing the name of the church or eliminating an entire style of worship.

1. Take a look at yourself first and determine if you have the respect and relationship foundations that will allow you to move the group, team, or church toward the needed change. Do you need to take time and build on your relationships and earn back respect that might have been damaged at some point? If you have the relationships and the respect of the people then this will go so much easier. More importantly, take a look at your own faith and your reliance on God through prayer to walk you through the change. Is prayer a foundation?  If not, then make that happen first.

2. Know the "why" yourself before any movement is made toward the change at all. If you can't articulate why the change is needed, then how can you expect anyone else to be able to do it? Pray for insight, do your research to build your knowledge base and confidence in the decision, and write it down so you can get really good at explaining the "why". There is a great TED talk by Simon Sinek on this topic that has stuck with me - check it out https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action

3. Start with your inner circle and work outward toward sharing it with the entire church or ministry. It's vital that leaders are on board before the decision goes to the entire church family. Start with your senior leader team, then the rest of the staff, and then move out to key ministry leaders. From that point, move to the leaders on ministry teams and then to those who are really invested in group or community life. By the time you share the vision for the change church-wide, every leader and influencer is already on board.

4. Take time and listen for understanding as to why there is doubt, hesitancy, fear, confusion, or resistance when you meet with the groups in the third point above. Be willing to answer questions and be an active listener who doesn't shut down the conversation, but instead helps flesh out the feelings so they can be acknowledged and dealt with. Resistance is driven by something - what is it? Help people see how the change will take place so they feel secure. Help them understand what's in it for them and for others they care about. For the change to happen while keeping peace and unity in the body, we need people to get on board.

5. Celebrate every win. Celebrate along the way. Celebrate with your senior leader team each win and each time you see a prayer answered. Give God praise all along the way and watch for Him to reveal himself to you and to the church. This season of change can bring tremendous growth in your personal life, and more importantly in the life of your church so embrace it!


When some people sense change is coming they might begin to grasp onto what they know to be safe and secure and stable. Change in their world becomes unstable causing a reaction - how can you help guide that reaction to bring unity and peace in the end?