01
A Prophetic Discerner is one who sees. Sometimes in ministry, we will see a situation that we haven’t seen before and it may be an indication that we have to do things differently. Some would call this a ‘sign of the times’. To ensure that we are not jumping on the bandwagon (because everyone is doing it), we need to discern together and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the Church, especially if it is a major change that will cause disruption.
02
Being a Change Agitator means convincing others that it is time to shift from one position to another. Change Agitators protest against stagnancy or mediocrity in their organisations and worshipping communities. For example, they speak out against any form of injustice or are horrified by spiritual apathy. While other agitators seek out excellence in gifts and ministries. They hunger to see the kingdom of God extended to every soul and lives transformed. They feel uncomfortable when these things are not being done. You don’t have to have a formal title to be a change agitator but you must be ready to build a case for change if you want to carry people with you. Your task is to mobilise others into recognising change is needed and wanting it as much as you do.
03
As change leaders, it is important to recognise that people react differently whenever a major change is announced. Healthy tension can bring healthy solutions for the present.
04
Every organisation has a dominant culture that is rooted and established in traditions, systems and practices. People are likely to resist, reject, or sit on the fence whenever you introduce something new if it looks or feels strange, uncomfortable or non-cognizant. One of the reasons for this is that the dominant culture is entrenched over time through a set of values that most adhere to and are formed by habit. Paying attention to this topic is crucial because culture produces results. To introduce a major change effort successfully means you will need to be a facilitator to create the culture that you want to see. But how will you know if the change effort will require a significant shift in the community’s culture?
05
Jesus tells his disciples they will not be left alone as he goes. The Holy Spirit is coming. God never meant for us to do things alone. We have been created to work together. As churches seek to become more intergenerational and intercultural, being Space Collaborators becomes even more important. For example, we can learn new ways to collaborate with different age groups, cultures, and Christian traditions. But it will take humility. Collaboration with each other helps us avoid individualism. We need each other. When we invite the Spirit to come, expect change to happen.
06
The Latin meaning of the word power is ‘to be able’. Have you ever considered how much power you have in your role and what you do with it? As Christian leaders, we sometimes don’t want to admit the amount of power we exude because of our titles or influence. We end up getting uncomfortable about the topic. Yet Jesus gave his authority to the Church and imbued her with power by sending the Holy Spirit. Leadership is also a gift from God (Romans 12:86) that inevitably comes with power. Without it, we cannot lead others. It is also true that leadership power can be open to abuse. We thus need to consider the interactions at play where two or more people are gathered. This is known as power dynamics which is neutral but its manifestation can be positive or negative. Having an awareness of these dynamics can help towards achieving unity and parity in our groups. When we give power away as leaders, we not only inspire the community to action but also ensure we remain measured and humble. The Transitional Leader dismantles the towers built over time by being a power breaker. Elevate those with less power around you.
07
Stewarding the vision means making it happen but also passing it on to others for its continuation. For this to happen, the Transition Leader empowers the Christian community or organisation by passing on the change traits. In other words, building a culture of adaptability to survive in an increasing world of uncertainty. We need to build disciples willing to share discernment, vision, and pursue God's mission. This session explores some ideas on how you can do this.
08
When we pray, ‘...thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven’, we are looking forward in anticipation and simultaneously building God's kingdom retrospectively until his Son returns. In the meantime, we continue to faithfully serve in the areas we have been called to. However, the ‘in the meantime’ can present some challenges for leaders when it comes to transition. For example, some people will naturally want to revert to their old cultures and do things the way they did them before. Others can become impatient when it seems the new vision isn’t working out and promises made have not materialised. For the transitional leader, this can be exhausting and lead to anxiety, frustration and, at worst, burnout.
09
God instructs us to follow an unchanging God who changes everything. Throughout the biblical story, God constantly calls people to change so they can experience the promises he has for them and fulfil his purposes. If you need some inspiration to talk about change and transition in your sermons or vision cascades, here are some ideas.