The Need for Change

Change is constant and if we’re going to be relevant leaders, we must change too. If we’re going to reach our full potential, we have to change.

Anything that is growing is changing and anything that is stuck is not.

This a part of the leadership journey we must embrace and as we grow older, the need to change becomes more evident. This is because the older we get the more set in our ways and rhythms we become. We may have changed when we were younger, but as we age, it’s easy to think we don’t need to change anymore. But that logic is wrong!

Conversely being a young leader, it’s easier to change. However, the need to grow in confidence and conviction is a necessity. So, we see the paradigm of leadership is always requiring us to change, grow, and rise to a higher level.

Being revenant leaders means we influence present leaders. We help them with the needs and issues they’re facing. Being irrelevant is being stuck in yesterday by refusing to change, and when that happens influence shrinks.

When we change we show wisdom and humility. This is how we grow, evolve, and increase with influence. We must change to grow. We must be humble to change and we must see the need to change.

“One wise person is stronger than ten leading citizens of a town!”

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭19‬

Notice in this verse how one leader can be stronger than many others. This happens when we are willing to change!

So, here are three things to remember when changing.

1st – We stay on a firm foundation.

Change works best when we stay on a firm foundation. Meaning, our values, convictions, beliefs, and boundaries are built on Jesus. This guides us through a changing aspect of our lives, but not our faith.

Jesus is our rock and from him, we change to become who He’s made us to be. Our life is through Him, for Him, and by Him.

This foundation gives us stability throughout the different ebbs and flows of life.

2nd – Keep the big picture in view.

When we change, it should be to facilitate the big picture coming to pass. Meaning, it’s on purpose and with purpose.

Changing because it’s cool or a fad can be a mistake. Changing to reach more people, being better as a leader, and more is great and needed.

Having the big picture in view keeps us focused on what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. This is needed so we don’t lose ourselves or forget what we’re called to do.

As Christian leaders, change empowers us to be more, do more, and reach more people for God. This is big for us to remember as we take courageous steps and change.

3rd – Think step by step.

When making a change of any kind, it’s important to remember that incremental growth is more likely than massive growth. This is good and sustainable over the long term versus a quick burst that fades away quickly.

One change can make a big difference but to think it fixes everything is wishful thinking. This is not stable and leads to magical thinking which eventually hinders growth and development.

Growing one step at a time is the process we all take to become what God has intended for us. Of course, we will hit seasons where our personal growth and organizational growth are beyond what we expected and we should celebrate this.

But over time, it’s the step-by-step increase that builds momentum for the long term.

This is what we want as leaders and so when making changes it’s vital to think step by step. When big things happen and growth is beyond what we expected, celebrate it and lead through it.

Then reach for more and let God grow you step by step.

His plans are good and ever-expanding. Let’s believe that and reach for it.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬

Are you willing to change today? Are you making changes personally to help you grow?

I encourage you to do it and be willing to grow.

God is in it and his grace is sufficient for you and the best is yet to come!

PD