Leaders create the future every day.
“Now therefore, thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:5 KJV)
“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.” (Luke 5:37-38 NIV) This illustration is so obvious. Yet, many leaders today pray for spiritual and organizational growth in our church and mission organizations while we refusing to change anything. Your next change strategy (new wine skins) can be effective when leaders keep these six points in mind.
- Your change strategy must be totally supported and led by spiritually healthy Pastors, Leaders and Board members. These individuals must lead with integrity and demonstrate God’s love in all their dealings.
- Prayer is essential. Any organizational change must be God directed and owned. Without God, we are just ‘re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic’.
- Your people will be supportive of the change strategy when they are involved and feel ownership in the process.
- The change must be consistent with the long term Vision, Mission, Values and your people must understand the benefits.
- Stress the ‘why’ of the transition. What and how are important but the rational, the necessity and the long term implications are most important.
- Define the implications of the current situation, build a plan with priorities, communicate and celebrate the small successes at every step in the process.
Paul tells us, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV).
Leadership is prayerfully dealing with old wineskins that are holding you back.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com