Several years ago, Martha and I reflected on our time at First Baptist Church, Covington, LA. We thought about the changes we had gone through (including the total relocation of the church facility). We were talking about good things that have occurred.  I don’t remember what I said that elicited Martha’s response, but I definitely remember her response. She said: “We have led the church, but we have paid a very high price for it.”

She was speaking of the difficulty of change.

This is why changes which will make things better are so difficult.

We want the benefits of change without having to actually do something.

We want the benefits without the pain in every area of our lives. We want a good marriage but we don’t want to work at it or change our behavior. We want a healthier body without giving up fried foods and big doses of sugar.

We want a stronger church without having to repent or look at our behavior. We want to reach more people without having to accept the necessary changes to make a difference.

Nothing is as important as change; nothing is as difficult as change.

Yesterday, I wrote about some key elements of change.

What are some other areas we must consider?

First, give people time to process change. Other people need as much time as you to make important decisions. Let them pray and consider. It will help the process tremendously.

I have often told how pastors will agonize over a change for a long period of time and then expect the church to make a decision in a few minutes. Remember that good changes and good decisions normally stand the test of time.

Do the same with your spouse or children. None of us responds well to ultimatums. A simple question often will get a soft answer: “Would you consider . . .?”

Second, treat people in the change process as you would want to be treated. I want respect. I want to understand. I don’t want to be railroaded. Those are common feelings people experience. Treating people as you would want to be treated will carry you a long way down the road to good church health.

Whether at home or at church, help people make good decisions by your own good decisions. It will make necessary changes much easier.

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