In last month’s Messenger (“Understanding Church Styles – Why is it Important?”), I noted the confusion we’ve experienced in understanding the style of church we are and how we function as a congregation. That confusion has added some challenges to our recent transition to new pastoral leadership. 

One popular way of picturing the stages of transition most organizations go through in times of change is called the Change Curve. Here’s what it looks like.

When a change is first introduced, the initial reaction may be shock, denial, mourning, disorientation, remembering the good old days, etc. Once the reality of the change starts to hit, people tend to react negatively and move to the second stage. Here they may fear the impact, feel anger, anxiety, guilt, depression, feeling of loss, the need to let go, detachment, and distancing from others. Generally, it’s at this point when people make a decision to stick with it or to leave.

It seems to me that confusion about the style of church we are and the approach to pastoral leadership that best matches our style has amplified our experience of the roller coaster of change. In addition, the delay in identifying the causes of this confusion added to the length of our second stage of transition, a stage that in the best of times can be stressful and wrought with resistance.

Now I believe we have moved slightly past the second stage and are positioned to move on to the third stage, with an increase of optimism and acceptance. In order to move through the Change Curve, we need to begin some focused exploration of what is ahead of us and make some informed choices as a congregation. This will ultimately allow all of us to embrace the direction we have chosen, find new purpose and hope, re-energize our commitment, and rebuild our ways of being in relationship with each other and with the community around us.

This must be a church-wide effort. I’m not a behavioral expert or experienced in change or transition management, but I believe there are some key aspects that we must attend to in order to be successful.

We must have a solid foundation on which to move forward. I believe this means we need to examine and define who we are as a church, making a biblical assessment of where our church life has been and where it should be going, needing to clarify perceptions and avoid assumptions. From this foundation we can develop common goals and a mutual understanding of the possibilities of achieving those goals. We can also clarify the roles that members and staff collectively must play.

All during this time we must maintain an open, honest forum of communication, quelling gossip whenever we can and going out of our way to make everyone feel valued and welcome.  We are a Pastoral Style church and we need to align ourselves with the aspects of that style which make for a vibrant congregation.  All of us need to be key participants in the process. 

I ask you to give some thought to the following questions:

• What were the positive aspects that made you want to be a part of WUMC?
• What are the things that have kept you a part of WUMC?
• What are your hopes and visions for WUMC?

In the near future we will be coordinating small group meetings to talk about these questions, and I ask you to take the opportunity to participate fully as the opportunity arises.

This is my church and you are my church family, and I have a very deep love for both. I commit to you that I will be an active part of the process to allow God to work in and through us to realize his vision for WUMC. As we enter the Advent season, the season of change and new possibilities, I ask you to join me in that commitment.

 

Dave Reichard

Coordinating Lay Leader