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10 Keys to Moving Congregations Beyond the Status Quo 12/11/2010 4:12:34 PM
10 Keys to Moving Congregations Beyond the Status Quo
Disaster awaits churches that hold steadfastly to the status quo. The old adage applies: If you do things the same way you will get the same results. Nowhere is this truer than the local church. But resistance to such movement is strong. Breaking down established traditions that stifle growth is like bringing down the Berlin Wall. Only time and a changing of the guard seems a sure bet for change.
Yet, true change is possible sooner when churches consider reliable keys to moving beyond the status quo.
1. Planting seeds of change in the minds of the movers and shakers.
2. Practicing “status quo breakers” in your personal life – sharing these with the congregation.
3. Placating those who object to new directions by celebrating milestones and contributions of long held traditions.
4. Painting words pictures of what the proposed change looks like as well as a complete view of not doing anything.
5. Progressing slowly but with deliberation.
6. Pulling out all stops to pull off the kick-off event – striving to create a “‘wow” factor in the eyes of the congregation.
7. Producing visual effects of change on a smaller scale before launching a major ministry renovation.
8. Peppering new idea with mementos or memorial to the past – placing it in a prominent location amidst any new physical changes.
9. Pacing changes in a systematic process – evaluating results as they happen.
10. Publically affirming all who contribute to the new program or ministry by name both publically and privately.
