Initiating Change With Success

After attending my first church conference I was ready to make huge changes in my ministry.  On the plane ride home I crafted a new strategy that meant a new direction.  I called together all of my volunteers, sat them down and proceeded to reveal to them this incredible new plan.  It was going to be awesome. 

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Instead of applause and being lifted up on people’s shoulders in true euphoria I received looks of horror.  Finally, after moments of awkward silence one of my volunteers angrily asked, “How is that possible?”  That started the barrage of questions that later turned into a revolt.

Initiating change is a very challenging task for any leader.  As a young leader I tried to FORCE change on people instead of INSPIRE. When I received push back I would grow angry and defensive.  If you want change in your youth ministry it will be difficult; however, you will save yourself a lot of frustration if you take the right steps.  To initiate any change:

• Give Yourself Margin: To initiate healthy change in your ministry you need to know it will take time.  Build a timetable on when you want to implement and announce certain tweaks.  This will give people time to absorb and process the ideas you are laying forth.  When you rush change, you take unnecessary risks that could sabotage your efforts.

• Gain Support From Leadership: Make sure your pastor is on board, especially with big change.  By having his backing it will gain you clout that you cannot gain on your own.  The way you earn his support is by making sure he’s the first to know, that you ask for his insight and that you respect his opinion.  If he isn’t willing to back you take his thoughts into STRONG consideration.  You don’t want him on the other side. (Click here, on how to work on the relationship with your pastor)

• Tell Your Point People First: After your pastor, make sure your point people know before the general public.  When change is announced people will go to your point people if they can’t find you.  By not preparing them you not only show disrespect but you risk the chance of them saying something that could contradict your reasoning.  This will show people that you are disorganized and inconsiderate of your team’s opinion.

• Do Your Homework: You will get drilled with, “Whys?”, “Hows?” and “Whens?”.  To answer honestly and humbly do your homework by listing out the positive and negative consequences of the change.  Understand the collateral damage and the fruits that will bear when the changes happen.  People might push back on your idea; however, what they are looking to see is whether or not this is a well thought out plan.

• Approach With Humility: Work on your prayer life so that you can receive the patience and grace from God to endure the road ahead.  Do not force an idea, allow God to reveal it to you.  Do not feel like you need all the answers, trust in God to lead you.  And do not fear failure, because it will help you learn how to approach the same problems in a new light. 

• Cast a Vision: People can easily get stuck on the logistics because they do not see the big picture.  Don’t oversell; however, make sure you tell the why the changes will create positive impact for your teens.  Before you announce it to your volunteers or the greater population take the time to reflect on how it’s presented.  Aim to inspire. (For more on vision, click here)

Change is hard, especially for those who are asked to change.  If you want your ministry to grow, change is inevitable.  Make sure you set a path, rally the team and trust in God.  When you put together a plan, the challenge will still exist; however, the obstacles will be clear.

Would you add any steps to this strategy? What stumbling blocks have you seen in initiating change? Share your comments.