Components of Change

It's been said that "Nothing is as constant as change". Things are always changing. Just look at technology as one example. Michael Fullan author of Leading in a Culture of Change says "Change cannot be managed. It can be understood and perhaps led, but it cannot be controlled."

Fullan talks about the components of change. These are essential for any meaningful change:

• Moral purpose—sharing the guiding purpose for an organization’s existence.
• An understanding of change—developing a working knowledge of the key dimensions and dynamics of change.
• Relationship building—seeking relationships with diverse people and groups, especially those on the fringe and those who resist change.
• Creation and sharing of knowledge—sharing information in a way that it becomes usable both to initiate and to sustain change.
• Achievement of coherence—bringing sense and common purpose to the ambiguity that is change.

The presence of these components in the life of a congregation will encourage positive change. At times the change will be chaotic. At times there will be conflict. But these components set a tone that makes positive change possible. The key to effective change is to always come back to the vision of the organization. All decisions are to be made based on fulfilling that vision.

I think I am decent at dealing with change. For those times that it makes me uncomfortable, I really have to stop and ask, "Where does my security lie? Who or what am I really trusting in?"If I see change as something to fear, then I have misplaced my trust and confidence in something other than my identity in Christ. But if I can stay focused that God is in the process of shaping and molding me (and the congregation) into the likeness of His Son, then I will embrace change.