I like change.

I like trying new things. I like going places. I like reimagining and reinventing things. I’m a curious person by nature, and I’m always wondering

“How does this work?” and “Is there a better way to do this?”

But if I’m being honest…That kind of thinking doesn’t always fit neatly into the structure of a church.

Most churches are built on tradition—on rhythms and patterns that have been repeated for years, sometimes decades. Even when churches try to remain modern and relevant, they often end up solidifying a new tradition without realizing it.

The way services are structured, the way leadership teams operate, the way decisions are made—it’s not as if every church is following the same blueprint, yet somehow, churches across denominations, locations, and styles tend to adopt the same practices.

And here’s what I’ve noticed:

When churches start to struggle—when growth slows, when engagement drops, when momentum fades—the natural response is often to hold on even tighter to the things that aren’t working anymore.

Instead of adapting, we double down.

Instead of innovating, we protect the familiar.

It’s a cycle we see not just in churches, but in life.

Change Rarely Happens Without a Catalyst

Think about an unhealthy person—someone with poor eating habits, little exercise, and minimal self-care. Do they suddenly wake up one day completely different?

Of course not.

Health doesn’t magically appear—it requires intentional change. Often, there’s an intervention moment—a wake-up call, a diagnosis, a crisis—that forces them to rethink their lifestyle and adopt new habits.

The same is true for a struggling marriage.

A couple that’s been stuck in years of conflict, mistrust, and miscommunication doesn’t suddenly wake up one morning with a brand-new relationship. Restoration requires intervention, time, and intentional effort. It means changing the way they interact, communicate, and prioritize each other.

Now, let’s bring this back to the church.

Churches are no different.

We ask people in our congregations to change all the time. We encourage them to:

• Grow spiritually
• Strengthen their faith
• Transform their lives
• Let go of what’s holding them back

But here’s the hard question:

If we, as church leaders, are unwilling to change, how can we expect transformation in the people we lead?

If the mission is struggling, if the momentum has stalled, if the vision feels stale—could it be that something new is needed?

The Biblical Case for Change

Scripture is filled with themes of transformation:

• Jesus talks about all things being made new. (Revelation 21:5)
• Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• David declares that we are to sing a new song to the Lord. (Psalm 96:1)

In every example, newness is connected to spiritual renewal and breakthrough.

• New things stretch us.
• New things require faith.
• New things often bring discomfort.

But new things also lead to growth.

Change Isn’t Easy (Even When It’s Good)

I may love change, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Even when change is good, it’s still difficult.

• Changing jobs or stepping into a new role—exciting, but hard.
• Moving to a new city or buying a new house—a fresh start, but stressful.
• Shifting leadership structures or ministry strategies—necessary, but met with resistance.

Big, meaningful changes often come with uncertainty and pushback. But that doesn’t mean we should avoid them. In fact, if God is calling you into a deeper mission, a new level of impact, or a different way of leading, then resisting change may actually be holding you back from what He has for you.

How to Navigate Change in Your Ministry

If you’re sensing that significant change is needed in your church or ministry, here are a few things to consider:

1. Identify What’s No Longer Working

Before making changes, take an honest assessment:

✔ What’s effective?
✔ What’s no longer producing fruit?
✔ What feels like “this is just how we do things” instead of “this is what’s making a difference”?

The first step in meaningful change is acknowledging that not everything should stay the same.

2. Clarify the Why Before the What

People resist change when they don’t understand why it’s happening. Before you introduce new ideas, structures, or approaches, communicate why change is necessary:

• Is it to better serve the community?
• Is it to reach a new generation?
• Is it to bring more alignment to the mission?
• When people see the purpose behind the change, they’re more likely to embrace it.

3. Honor the Past Without Being Stuck in It

Change doesn’t mean abandoning everything that came before.

Healthy change:

• Honors the foundation of the church
• Respects the traditions that shaped the ministry
• Builds upon the strengths that already exist

But it also recognizes that staying stuck in the past doesn’t move the mission forward.

Celebrate where you’ve been—but don’t let it prevent you from stepping into what’s next.

4. Start Small and Build Momentum

Big changes don’t always need to happen overnight.

If your church needs a major shift, consider starting with:

• A small pilot initiative before launching something churchwide
• One key area of ministry that can serve as a model for future change
• A conversation with your leadership team to start building alignment

Progress happens one step at a time.

5. Trust That God is in the Process

At the end of the day, change is not just about strategy—it’s about obedience.

If God is calling you into something new, He will lead, provide, and sustain you through it.

The mission is too important to stay stuck.
The calling is too significant to resist what’s next.

If God is stirring something new in your heart, lean into it…Because the transformational results you’re praying for may be waiting on the other side of the change you’re afraid to make.