In the church as well as the corporate world, the fruitful or successful ones of the day are always the ones who sought change to move beyond an issue. People and organizations become fruitful by seeking better opportunities than a current issue is presenting.
Too often in churches (and other organizations) we talk and complain about the issues of the day. We look to blame outside sources over which we have no control. When we do this we are spending our time on the negative of the situation, not attempting to overcome the obstacle presented by the issue.
The leading (fruitful) churches of the day, like any other organization, have chosen to be opportunity seekers. These organizations have chosen not to dwell on the negative of the issue, but to seek opportunities to overcome the obstacles. We must become opportunity seekers, not problem dwellers.
Opportunity seeking organizations embrace needed change. Fruitful churches embrace needed change in their methodology without compromising the message of Christ. Not even one century ago most churches were community churches. Across much of our nation we can see the land dotted with church buildings looking much the same in structure. Back then with only ten families, you could fill a church of 100 plus. Many of those buildings now are empty buildings or housing less than thirty people on any Sunday.
From there with increased availability of transportation, we saw the rise of regional churches. The came mega churches. With the advancement of technology, we began seeing multi-site campuses and today even internet churches. Each of these have had their place in the history of God’s church. The leaders of many of these were innovators, thinkers, willing to seek God’s next opportunity. Some were copycats. Some made the fruitful change, some did not.
Copying models does not equate to success. “Do not copy models, capture principles.”
William Pollard is quoted as saying, “Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.”
Every innovation is a solution to an issue with an obstacle. Issues are not problems to be feared, but opportunities to be embraced. As culture changes around, let us embrace the opportunity to share God’s story in ways that are interesting and relevant to those we have been called to reach. What is your first step in overcoming an obstacle in front of you with an opportunity to rise above?
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.