Glacial Change...

Change happens.  Seasons change—winter to spring.  Friendships change—daily interaction to long-distance relationships.  Kids change—one minute they are in diapers and the next minute they are learning to drive. 

Often times we don't even recognize when change is happening.  We blink...and things are different.  Other times, it seems like it takes decades for us to see any significant movement. 

Change happens in the church, too.  There are times, as a pastor, I want things to change overnight.  But I have come to realize (and appreciate) the necessity of gradual change. 

I really began to wrap my mind around this idea of "gradual" change over a year ago when I sat down with a young gentleman who had visited our church the week before.  We were talking about the direction FFMC was going, when he made an interesting statement.  He said, "I've heard that First Church is really good at glacial change. In fact, James, I've heard you're good at glacial change!"  He said this with a twinkle in his eye.

When I asked for clarification on what "glacial change" was, he responded: "Maybe it's best if I state the opposite.  There are two types of change.  There is avalancial change.  This is change that happens quickly.  There is lots of wreckage and debris in the wake of this type of change.  Landscapes are scarred by it.  And at times, avalancial change has casualties.  There are victims in the aftermath of avalancial change. Most often what happens next, is top-growth re-occurs and the overall landscape doesn't change all that much.  It is surface change."

"On the other hand," he continued, "there is glacial change.  This is change that takes place slowly, gradually, almost unnoticed over time.  It is hard to discern it is even taking place, but is has the potential to change a long-term landscape for the good.  There is less carnage with glacial change.  Continents are moved with glacial change!  Glacial change has depth...and it lasts and lasts and lasts."

I had to reflect on what this gentleman said about the pace of change at First Church.  It is true, and has been said many times, that change happens slowly (in any church!).  I've always thought that was a bad thing.  But, I think I am seeing the benefit of the glacial change!  Less wreckage.  Less casualties.  It is most noticed over time.  And it has the longer-term effects.  I want to be part of the change that sticks, the change that lasts. 

God-change us.  Change us all.  But do it in Your time and Your way.  If that is avalancial—good.  If that is glacial—good!  Have Your way in us.  Have Your way in me!  Amen.