When The Spit Up Is Unbearable

Something my wife and I are adjusting to, is being spit up on all the time.  If our son is drooling it can be somewhat endearing unless his mouth is spewing like Niagara Falls.  Unfortunately, what comes out of his mouth isn’t always drool, but different forms of regurgitated whatever and whenever it happens to land on my clothing, especially in the morning, the question that comes to my mind is, “Do I change my clothes?”
9 out of 10 times I change my clothes, it all depends on the severity of the stain, how much of a rush and where I am going that comes into account.  When it comes to ministry I think we face a similar question regarding our programs, “Do we change our programs?”  This question usually comes about because we are exhausted, disappointed or in a rut.  And when we are dissatisfied with what’s going around us there is this temptation to hack it all down and start from scratch, but is that necessary?  I think there are a few questions we need to ask ourselves:

1. Is the timing right?  Sometimes we can make the best change at the wrong time because people (ministers, parents, etc.) aren’t ready to make the sacrifices or put in the extra work for the change.  Maybe the problem, the obstacle, your frustration isn’t clear or relevant to them.  Just because we as leaders are ready to change doesn’t mean our teams, ministry’s or churches are.
2. What’s the direct and indirect impact? You need to know the collateral damage and the direct impact that will take affect.  The reason to know this is because you have to prepare yourself for any backlash, feedback and/or criticism from reluctant, overexcited or disappointed people.
3. What’s my timeline?  No one says that change has to take place in a day, a week, a month or even a year.  Change can take it’s time; however, it’s good to set goals and markers to implement the change.  This breaks down the overwhelming emotions involved in change and creates a path with achievable goals.  People like a timeline.

When it comes to change there is a lot to factor in, what else should be considered when change is being made?