It’s been said that no one changes until the pain of not changing becomes greater than the pain of changing.  Change is hard!  That is… intentional change is hard.  More specifically… intentional change for the better is hard.

One of the conclusions drawn from the Second Law of Thermodynamics is that “All natural systems degenerate when left to themselves.”  Therefore, change toward decay and disorder and chaos is natural, expected and, given time, inevitable.  It is change toward order and effectiveness and fruitfulness that is difficult… and often, uncomfortable.

However, without intentional change there will be no growth.  Without intentional change there will be no fruit.  Without intentional change there will be no evangelism… no developing disciples… no growing toward health and effectiveness… no glory to God.  Churches need the intentional, hard work of change.

As church leaders, do we face the need for change head on?  Or, do we back away or procrastinate and “settle for” the easy path… the comfortable result?  Either way, we influence the culture of the church we serve.

Do we settle for a…Culture of Complaint…Rather than Thanksgiving?      (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Do we settle for a… Culture of Control… Rather than Empowering Servanthood?      (Matthew 20:28 & 1 Peter 4:10)

Do we settle for a… Culture of Shame & Blame… Rather than Clarified Responsibility?      (Hebrews 13:7 & 17)

Do we settle for a… Culture of Activity… Rather than Effective Ministry?      (2 Timothy 3:5, Matthew 6:7)

Do you care enough to lead into necessary change?  Are you sufficiently compassionate toward those in the church… and those outside?  Will you do whatever it takes?