100 likes | 106 Views
Hope and Change. When we see conflict we always see:. Change is happening or has happened, leading to turbulence to the congregation. OR Change needs to happen and the conflict is a symptom of the resistance or denial of the need to change. Conflict and Change at Justinsburg.
E N D
When we see conflict we always see: • Change is happening or has happened, leading to turbulence to the congregation. • OR • Change needs to happen and the conflict is a symptom of the resistance or denial of the need to change.
Conflict and Change at Justinsburg • Four unhappy pastorates • A new location, and three building projects • Yo-yo membership • A growing county • Playing victim: Blaming pastors, blaming the Presbytery, • Designated pastor open to change. The family life center…
How Change Happens # 1 • Structures as balancing forces • Roles, Rules and Rituals • Open • Flexible Organization and Steady State
How Change Happens # 2Instability and a Bit of Chaos • Change in family of spiritual leader or key lay leaders • Change in parish’s constituency • Change in Staff • Change in Denomination • Redecoration, change in worship An organism that does not have pockets of instability will not survive.
How change happens # 3:We can be changed but we’re still us. • Biology and Identity • In cell transformation something of the identity of the cell is protected. • Justinsburg—it was new but it was familiar.
The Inner Wisdom of Conflict • Conflict plays a positive role in the congregation. • It points to the changes God desires and the health the congregation seeks • Our task is to find that wisdom and utilize it.
Your Church and Change? • Group Discussion: • Name at least one change happening in your church.