When you propose a new program or shut down an outdated ministry, you're asking people to change on four different levels: mind, heart, lifestyle, and culture. Each level of change requires a different kind of response:
The key to a change of mind is information. Facts that support the reasons for change need to be gathered and shared. They are more persuasive than opinions. Facts alone, though, don't bring about change. In fact, they can precipitate conflict because everyone will not agree on what needs to be done or be ready to do it.
It happened again and again: the
impasse, talking in circles, limited information. In my early years, I thought
all I needed was the best available information and some clear logic to make
the best decision. Every good leader wants logic and information for important
decisions.
But as I watched leaders who were consistently effective, I began to notice
something else. Leading well eventually ...
A woman whose husband left her recently began attending our church. Shattered, she is casting about for emotional moorings to help her regain equilibrium. With a ministry background, she knows how to minister to people; she just doesn't know how to do so in the midst of her pain and confusion.
Every follower of Christ is in the continual process of restoration; everyone is messed up and in need of ...