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The world might be changing, but God’s Word will never change…

How does change happen? Even more importantly, how do churches evolve and adapt with the world’s changes?

The world has undergone a significant transformation, and churches have taken notice. There is no way to avoid dealing with it. The manner that w​e have conducted ministry in the past, which consisted of strategic planning that led to a large amount of programming based on perceived needs, does not appear to be effective any longer. A change must come about. Pinpointing exactly what needs to change is the challenging part. This is partly because the particulars of what needs to change differ from one church to the next.

However, in order for a congregation to adapt to an ever-changing world, it requires leadership within the church to adapt. This is best accomplished with Christian leadership training. Adapting to the changes of the world is not going to be easy but leadership training will help you in numerous ways. One of the biggest things to learn with leadership training is that it starts with listening.

The Power of Listening

All too often, church leaders forget to listen before starting new programs or strategies. It's one thing to implement these programs and strategies but is it what’s really best? Have you talked to the congregation about it? More importantly, have you talked to God about it?

The efficacy of a leader in other areas of leadership is greatly impacted by communication, which is a crucial component of church leadership. When we talk about communication, we do not just mean passing along information; we also mean exchanging it, therefore effective listeners must also be leaders.

Whether you are a seasoned church leader or a potential church leader seeking guidance, enrolling in Christian leadership training will help you succeed in strengthening your leadership skills, especially in the ever-changing world we live in today. Here are a few tips to help you respond to the rapid changes of the world as they impact the church.

Recognize and acknowledge the changes

The year is not 1970 or 2000; it's not even 2023 yet. The world has undergone significant changes and you cannot just act like you are oblivious to it, especially when the changes are impacting members. Ask God to assist you in adjusting to the changes and help members adjust as well so that the congregation can spread the gospel more effectively.

Maintain the church's external focus

If we are gazing outwardly in obedience, God will uphold us and guide us through trying circumstances and into unfamiliar lands.

Remain informed

Keep informed even when you cannot read or listen to everything. Use a variety of news sources. that provide information about the world as it pertains to matters of the church, ranging from taxpayer dollars to new government laws put into place.

Collaborate with your church's leaders of change

Spend quality time with the leaders who will stand by your side through these turbulent times of change, even if you must provide pastoral care to every member of your church. You can no longer afford to appease stubborn churchgoers who are slowing up the entire congregation.

Rethink your church's spending plan

The changes in the world today necessitates that we reconsider how we employ the tools that God has provided for us. All options must be on the table. Every church should create a zero-based budget with no prior ideas about how God's resources should be used (at least to the greatest extent possible).

Be prepared to lose members

Sadly, some members will only give their support if the church carries out ministry in the same manner as it always has, or at the very least, the way the members desire. You cannot allow the church to be held back by selfish people.

Don’t stress over failure

You will undoubtedly make some errors, but you cannot allow your church's progress to be slowed down by your fear of failure. Pray as things change. Avoid making foolish decisions in the name of change but act swiftly and take the necessary action. Keep in mind the instructions God gave to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Be neither terrified nor disheartened. Because wherever you go, the Lord your God is with you.” (Joshua 1:9).

Hold on to God’s Unchanging Word, Despite the Ever-Changing World

Our planet has experienced many difficulties throughout history, which have changed things, affected people's lives, and led to both heartache and success. But throughout it all, God remained the same. Our reaction must be profound yet straightforward: Trust God and act quickly in his strength.

At PLI, we work to raise missional leaders to carry the Gospel of Jesus and plant the seeds of God’s Kingdom through Christian leadership training. For more information on our upcoming learning communities, contact us today.

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