The old joke is "how many Christians does it take to change a lightbulb?" "None: Christians don't change anything".
This stereotype is absolutely false. Christians are committed to change, as we are changed from one degree of glory into another as we behold the face of God in Christ. But nonetheless change in our structures occurs slowly.
There are a variety of reasons for this; some good and some bad; but one I want to consider is an aspect that some call the ‘change-malaise culture’.
What is change malaise?
It's only a theory, but it makes sense. It assumes that change involves moving from safety and certainty into uncertain, unchartered territory.
As a result this theory asks, "What then causes people to make change?"
Change-malaise theory argues that while being safe, the status quo is not what is desired, so people enter a malaise where they are unhappy with the past but are also scared to move forward into uncertainty. The pain of this stage eventually becomes too much to bear and some will push for change to end the malaise.
It is at this point that those seeking change can look down upon those who do not wish to change. Their derogatory words include 'old fashioned', 'visionless', 'no backbone'. It is easy to bully those not keen to change.
But the opposite also occurs. Those seeking change are sometimes derided by non-changers with 'hot headed', 'disrespectful', 'non strategic'.
A way forward?
Unfortunately, this sort of thing happens very often in our churches. There are some comments that need to be made:
1. listen to the merits in the other group's position before deriding it
2. God calls us to use the gift of our minds and be wise in the use of the resources he gives. We shouldn't bury his gifts, but use them well.
3. God always leads in triumphal procession through weakness, so we must remember he is in control in malaise and comfortable times.
4. The rate of change people can live with varies from person to person, as does the pace at which they make change decisions.
5. 'Change for change’s sake' will always leave some people disenfranchised, and outcast. It is counter-relational.
