Change Is Scary!
What is it about the word "change" that scares people to death?
Pick up any Christian magazine today and most of the articles have something to say about the need for change. The problem for me is that I hear a lot of people talk about it, but see little done about it.
Now I must admit that I understand why change can be so threatening; especially if it means being knocked out of our "comfort zones." But I also realize that discomfort can often present opportunities for change, progress, and growth.
For many years I worked closely with an ecumenical group of ministry leaders within my community. It was if the Lord opened a "window of opportunity" for us to really get to know each other and work together on area-wide projects. This was perhaps one of the most rewarding seasons in my life.
Many times we would gather together in an informal setting for sharing and prayer. I remember sitting in the living room of a small handful of leaders that represented large groups of people. Our topic of discussion was prayer and revival.
We wanted to strengthen the ecumenical "prayer movement" in our community by calling people to tear down walls that separated us and keep us from joining forces in advancing the Kingdom of God. The Lord was using us to start "brush fires" for change that translated into measurable results. We were very thankful and very encouraged.
And then the topic of discussion shifted to the reality of revival and how it would impact our community. Most of us had seen and been part of revivalist movements that impacted people, their churches, and even their communities. We saw the value of change!
As we went around the room, everyone was given opportunity to share. A prominent pastor and his wife took their turn. The wife spoke first. She gave much praise to the Lord for what He was doing in their lives. She was very excited about revival and how it could transform their church.
Much to everyone’s surprise, her husband shared a different perspective. I can still remember his words today. He said, "I too want great change and revival for my church but I must admit…it scares me to death!" All of us, including his wife, were surprised.
We all could see his struggle in his face as he calmly explained his position. "It’s not that I don’t want it, but I am simply a little scared about the aftermath. What if some people don’t embrace it and cause discord? What if people choose to leave and go somewhere else? How would I give proper leadership in the midst of such changes? I’m not sure if I am ready!"
Perhaps the sincerity of this pastor echoes truth across the American Christian landscape. Yes, change is scary; but the truth is, change happens whether we like it or not. So, why not learn to harness its power to transform and breathe new life.
Over the years I have discovered that resisting change is far more deadly than accepting change. Church growth experts agree that "tradition" is the #1 killer of churches - "We’ve never done it that way before."
Now, I’m not talking about "throwing babies out with the bathwater." Radical change is needed sometimes, but change works best in an "organic" environment; a process of slow, steady transformation.
Life is all about "life-changing" experiences that cause us to grow and mature.
The truth be known, change is really good for us. So, why be scared of something that makes us better, wiser, and more healthier?
