Change is inevitable in the Church, especially if we want to grow. How leaders manage that change can make the difference between it being accepted or resisted. Leaders must honestly assess their approach to change management and seek the kind of balance that leads to a healthy means of navigating change. Our spiritual gifting can affect our approach.
How a Leader’s Spiritual Gifts Can Affect Change Management
People with the spiritual gift of leadership are visionary. Those with the gift of administration are administrative. And, leaders with the gift of pastor are shepherds. Each of these leaders tend to approach change from a perspective that aligns with their gifting.
Visionary Leaders (gift of leadership) are the change makers whose emphasis is on propelling the ministry forward.
Administrative Leaders (gift of administration) are the change implementers whose main concern is developing a plan and procedure to best accomplish change.
Shepherding Leaders (gift of pastor) are the change navigators out to help people cope with and navigate through the change.
Of course, people’s personalities and gift mix also factor in to the way a leader approaches change.
Seeking Balance for a Healthy Approach to Change
It shouldn’t be hard to see that we need all three types of leaders for a healthy change process since they each tend to focus on different aspects of change. To move forward, we will have to make changes yet we must be careful we don’t charge ahead with little thought to doing so efficiently and with people a priority.
Change Management is one of the 15 leadership responsibilities found in the Balance in Church Leadership Based on Spiritual Gifting resource. In addition to considering what motivates and concerns these leaders in change management, it looks at what’s needed for each of them to overcome challenges to bring greater balance into the change process.
For more on Change Management: Church Leaders Practicum on Change