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(Part 1 in a series about prayer.)
Having just been hired by the church, the new senior pastor noticed that the pulpit was too far to one side for his liking. As the leader of the church, he felt he had the authority to move things around. Acting on that feeling, however, cost him his position. Yes, he got fired for moving the pulpit!
The church managed to find a replacement who, like his predecessor, also believed that the pulpit was in the wrong spot. But what would this fellow do about it? What would you do?
Some time later, the dismissed minister stopped by that church and, peering in, observed the pulpit right in the center of the front of the platform. Exactly where he tried to place it! Discussing his surprise with his successor, he asked how the new pastor had accomplished this feat. “Simple,” he replied. “Because I’d heard what had happened to you, I didn’t bother asking permission. I just moved the pulpit over one inch a week. Eventually, it got to the right spot!”
The moral of this story? If you want change, especially in a church, go slow!
This idea underlies many Christian leadership books. These texts help pastors guide the processes of change in the church. Strategizing, communicating, adjusting – it’s all there. They stress how church leaders have to be wise (even shrewd), circumspect, methodical, modest, and patient. Give people plenty of time to process changes even before they happen. Why? Because, the assumption goes, people fear change.
But do they? Do you? I believe not. Prayer proves it.
In my ministry, I’ve prayed with scores of folks over the years. In numerous Sunday morning services, I’ve invited the hurting and the needy to pray with members of our prayer teams and many have responded.
Why would they? If people were as afraid of change as is presupposed, wouldn’t they hesitate to come forward? Or even refuse?
And what do people pray about? Usually, their requests concern making something bad, good. The issue could be personal. It could be relational. Or circumstantial. But what these have in common is change. People want it. That’s why they’re praying!
Prayer is change! When you pray, you seek blessing for cursing. You pursue healing for sickness. You call for mercy over judgment. You promote justice over corruption.
Seen in the light of prayer, change isn’t death. Fearing change damages, even kills, because such anxiety blocks you from drawing near to the God of love. It keeps you from experiencing the abundant life Jesus promises.
Change won’t kill you; in Christ, it will renew you. His Spirit will transform you. Pray about it; see for yourself. You’re not afraid! Not if you pray.
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