Okay, I didn't necessarily intentionally select this book - I am reviewing it for BookSneeze. But I am SOOO glad it was the book that was available. Wow. And it's cool to see how God works in all things, because we're talking about this transition issue as a church staff right now. So it's so cool to see how it fits together!
I was so challenged by what I read - as a pastor and as a member of a church I love. Brad Powell accurately pinpoints the different types of transitions that are often necessary for a church that is "stuck" or even dying. It's not just about changing the carpet color to bring a fresh look. A change in THINKING must take place in order to remain relevant to your mission field. Sometimes how a church feels, looks or even smells can be sentimental for people - they're comfortable with how it is when they've attended for many years. But to the outside coming in, that same church can appear outdated and out of touch with the outside world.
One of the things Powell challenges us to consider is whether there is diversity in your congregation or if you're just welcoming certain types of people. I believe that happens a lot, but it's not always intentional! It has just become the church's personality and what everyone is used to. God wants to TRANSFORM our thinking to reach this world - not just modify our ministry philosophy. And if people across the congregation are not transformed, just making changes without vision can be death to a church.
Powell compares this process to starting the wave at a sporting event. If only one person wants to start the wave, they look foolish standing up and sitting down over and over. But if they motivate those around them, the wave will begin to catch on. Furthermore, if you equip and invest in other leaders in your church, the wave will begin in different corners as well, and the ripple will come together faster. So even though there will still be people who choose not to participate once the wave has spread, it is still a very inspiring thing to watch people working in cooperation together. And transformation is not an easy process to start - you must be patient and not rush it - but Christ did not create the Church to be some static entity. It is always growing and changing and reproducing...
I HIGHLY recommend this book for pastors and leaders who feel stuck. 5 stars
That's interesting about starting the wave. I suspect many people wouldn't want to start it, in the fear of being alone and looking foolish.
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