Sometimes I get into the "that's not how I would do it" trend. I get caught up in my frustrations and idealism and I do the "open mouth and insert foot" thing. Serving people in the church setting I have found that implementing change is no small task, especially when you aren't the one at the helm steering the way. Maybe you have found yourself in that same spot, trying to implement change though screaming and pointing fingers. This isn't helpful within the body of Christ and this isn't the way to implement change amongst non-believers. Don't lose to your frustrations and quit, rebel or worse. Instead, stop trying to IMPLEMENT your change and start to INFLUENCE change. Here's how:
STUDY – Hit the books! (1) Study your current situation and what you want to change. Being able to communicate clearly about what frustrates you will be a huge tool. (2) Look to others that have made or are making similar changes. You may find out that you are a pioneer, but for most of us "its all been done before." When you look around you'll find ideas, things to avoid and possibly partners.
MODEL – Get out there on the Runway and "Work It!!" No…not that type of modeling but sorta. You need to LIVE IT OUT. You can't change what you aren't controlling, but you can change your own actions. When you model change you either INFLUENCE others to adopt the change or find out it was a horrible idea.
If the change is good, people will notice. When people notice, they want to join in. When they join in, others notice and others join in.
What frustrates you? Are you going to quit, yell and scream, sit and pout or INFLUENCE change?
God can use our confidence to propel His Kingdome forward.
(1 John 5) 