According to Lifeway Research, 46% of pastors say they’re challenged by the resistance to change in the church. Michael Nave, pastor of Cornerstone Church, joins Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources, to discuss the Greatest Needs of Pastors study and basic principles of leading change.
By Staff
Ben Mandrell: Nearly half of the pastors—46%—told Lifeway Research that people are resistant to change. I know we just talked about this a little bit, but as we talk about leading change, what are some of the basic principles that you’re learning about helping people make the turn?
Michael Nave: Yes. Patience. And that is not fun.
Ben Mandrell: I don’t like that answer.
Michael Nave: I don’t either.
Ben Mandrell: Do you have another one?
Michael Nave: Yeah, let’s try. And then reminding the people of the why. That’s been a very popular TED Talk kind of subject. But coming back to, “Why do we do what we do?” is imperative when we’re making choices that aren’t our preference, and yet we recognize, “This is a big deal.”
Like, what is the why behind this? Now let’s go back to that two-way conversation. Let’s have a dialogue about what’s happening. Why is this so unsettling to you? Why is this so…
Ben Mandrell: What’s really going on?
Michael Nave: Yes. What does this stir up in you— whether it’s a childhood thing or a thing with your father? What is the story?
Ben Mandrell: Tell the story. Like, let’s get to the stories that really matter.
Michael Nave: Yes.
