Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Jan/92

Contributor - Gloria Rodenburg

Title - Coping With Change

Topic - Change

A baby is born! Before this child is an adult numerous changes will take place in his life. His diverse and unique personality will be formed. Even in adulthood, events in his life will change his earlier perceptions. During this process of growing and changing, he may occasionally fall down or fail in his endeavour. At the same time, these learning experiences help him realize many of his goals and ambitions. With proper guidance. from his parents, his values, morals, and family traditions are becoming instilled at an early age. As he matures there may be turbulent times when outside influences and his own insecurities may cause him to rebel. Deep-rooted traditions and values may now seem insignificant and he balks at them. He is looking for change. Change is an inevitable event in a person's growth pattern.

As a particular new church is being organized, the various members are enthusiastic zealous in their faith and worship. They become a close knit unit working toward their common goal in their worship of the Lord. The pastor and each of the families contribute their own traditions and qualities; thus this church takes on its own unique personality. Weekly church services, Christmas and Easter celebrations, and special events take on a familiar pattern. People are getting "set in their ways" and all is well.

If this particular church is a living church, and is fulfilling its mission to the Saviour through outreach and evangelism, growth is bound to occur.

New members are welcomed by the congregation and made to feel at home in their new surroundings. It is hoped that they will become involved with the various programs which are offered at this church. Sometimes "cliques" exist in the congregation and new members find it difficult to integrate. A change in this situation would be most welcome! Sometimes, when a new member is accepted into the church group and brings some new ideas, some of the "regulars" feel threatened. In this situation we definitely need to change our narrow-mindedness. Perhaps a "make-over" of the mind is in order - to freshen one's outlook and to be more tolerant to change.

As a pond without a fresh source of water will stagnate and eventually dry up and die, so we must come with fresh ideas and changes in order to thrive and be healthy. Things just can't stay the same in this earthly existence. Likewise, a living church, in order to grow, must undergo changes.

Invariably, because of the human element, some "bad" choices are made in the changing process; but that doesn't necessarily need to be viewed as negative, even if it was a failure or unprofitable. Mistakes are learning experiences in the church's life as well as in one's personal life.

A lively and active Young People Group is the envy of any church. Often people of the congregation are critical of youth "vitality". When the Young People have fund-raising events, a change of attitude on the part of the adults is sometimes necessary in order for the youths to feel accepted and appreciated. Young people, on the other hand, should respect the position of adults. Young and old, we are all God's people.

Changes should take place gradually, and in some cases, on a trial basis. An example of this is the annual Sunday School Christmas Pageant. In our church it is always held on a Sunday afternoon. If the pageant were to be put on immediately after the morning worship service, perhaps the children would not be so restless. This approach to change could be tried and evaluated and either be repeated or rejected for the following year, depending on the outcome.

As a church grows, there is often a need to change the building's accommodations. Meetings are held to decide which building plan alternatives to use. These are serious, sometimes monumental decisions for a congregation. Do we want to leave our familiar surroundings for something new and different? A suggestion is made to have two worship services. This could result in some of the bonds that have formed over the years, to be broken. People tend to feel threatened and uneasy and long for the way it used to be. They hope change would not occur. But change is a necessary human phenomenon - a human characteristic.

Change should always be made for the better, not just for the sake of change. It should serve the majority of the congregation. Some of the following questions should be asked regarding the planned change.

Is the proposed change to the glory of God? Is it God's Will for His people? Is it according to Church doctrine, or are we "watering down" our

Christian moral, or ethical standards if changes were made? Christians involved in a changing church, in a changing world, there is within us a feeling of frailness and uncertainty. We need to look to God for our strength and direction. He will not fail us. We can be sure of Him. The Lord God does not change. He is as fresh as each new day.

Malachi 3:6 For I the Lord do not change.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

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