Leading Through ChangeSample

The second principle we can learn from the Apostles and how they led the church is that you cannot avoid dissenters as a leader. You are a leader. Lead them. 

Upon leaving Cornealius' home, Peter and those who had come with him returned to Jerusalem, and Peter was immediately confronted about his actions: (Acts 11:3). Look at Peter's response in verse 4: 

But Peter began speaking and proceeded to explain to them in orderly sequence,

Instead of avoiding dissenters or dismissing them outright, Peter took the time to respond with leadership. 

First, "Peter began speaking.” The word used here implies not just speaking but speaking with authority. Peter's response was to lead the dissenters, not dismiss them. Peter's leadership took the form of two specific actions. First, Peter carefully cast the vision and answered the question of why the change must take place. By explaining the vision of change, Peter led them to see where God was leading (v 17). 

Second, Peter's leadership took the form of preparation. Note that he was able to provide an "orderly sequence" to them upon Peter’s return. Order does not happen by accident. Instead, order requires intention. Peter was intentional and prepared to respond to those who would challenge the change.

APPLICATION/ REFLECTION:

As a leader, you know that even a whisper of a major change can lead to a roar of backlash. Even in Peter's day, we see that the mention of the change moved faster than He could, and his dissenters were ready upon his arrival.

How much more should you and I be prepared when leading change in this age of global, digital communications?

The difficulty of embracing new products, systems, or models may feel daunting, but as leaders, we must not allow those we lead to be left behind and less able to fulfill the vision. Remember, those who dissent are often passionate about the mission/vision. If the change is needed to advance the mission, those you fail to lead to the change will also fail to advance the mission.  

As a servant leader, you must prepare to lead change within your teams and faithfully cast the vision for change while also preparing your own heart and mind to hear from those who do not yet see how the change advances the mission.

As you think about leading change, consider:   

• What is one way you can engage those who oppose you?   
• How can you cast the vision for change in light of your mission statement?