New Visions Begin with Change

by Reba Collins

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Do you think that’s true for everything? I don’t. I’m reminded of the fallacy of this when I think about the changes that are constantly occurring in my children. They certainly carry the same DNA they were born with, but each year they become very different in appearance, attitudes, interests, and how they envision their futures. An aspiring Halloween costume snipper today can easily see herself as a world famous theatrical designer many years later.

The reality is that visions change with time, because of different conditions, and in response to unplanned-for situations. It’s true with kids, and it’s true with churches.

Whether in individuals or churches, God uses change to birth visions. When we tune into God’s plans, each change creates the opportunity for us to give new purpose to an old vision. Change allows us to re-envision what’s possible, and the future always looks slightly different when we pause to reflect on what was, in light of what is, and in hope of what can be.

Does your church family have a time each year when it pauses to look at the changes that have occurred within the church and the community around it? Are you catching the opportunities for growth that accompany change? Is it past time to Re+Vision and find a better future for your church?

 Churches decline and die if they stay the same when conditions, communities, and cultures change around them. In last week’s blog, we gave 7 signs that let churches know when it’s time to reflect and redirect. Next week’s blog will tell you how you can start Re+Visioning as a church.

Our children grow up and change quickly. As they do, we anticipate it. We plan for it. And, ultimately, we re-envision with them their futures with each mile marker. That is how God created us.

Our churches are a collection of God’s children. When we expect and anticipate their changes, we bring new visions to who we are and what our purposes are to be. And when that happens, we see that God remains the same today as he was yesterday and as he will be tomorrow, encouraging us to change for a better future.